Sahel Nations Announce Biometric Passport Plans

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced plans to introduce new biometric passports under the framework of their recently formed alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The decision marks a significant shift away from their previous association with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The introduction of the AES passports is aimed at harmonizing travel documents among the three countries and easing the mobility of their citizens internationally. Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, made the announcement on Sunday, ahead of a meeting between the countries’ foreign ministers, which marks the anniversary of their decision to form the AES.

The withdrawal of these Sahel nations from ECOWAS, a 15-member regional bloc, comes after all three countries experienced military coups. Despite ECOWAS’ efforts to convince them to stay, the nations have moved forward with forming their own alliance, citing a desire for more regional cooperation.

ECOWAS has expressed concerns that the departure of these countries could undermine the freedom of movement and the economic unity of the bloc, which serves a population of 400 million people. The bloc has been working on implementing a shared biometric ID system across its member states, but it is not yet fully operational throughout the region. The initiative aims to replace the current ECOWAS Travel Certificate with a more secure, biometric-enabled identity card that would facilitate free movement of people within West Africa.

While some member states have begun issuing these new biometric ID cards, the full rollout is expected to be gradual. When fully implemented, the system is expected to enhance security, ease travel within the ECOWAS region, and promote closer economic and social ties among West African countries.

Source: Reuters

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September 16, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy