Burkina Faso has introduced new biometric passports that are distinctly missing the logo of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on their covers, following a disagreement with the five-decade-old regional political and economic organization.
During the launch earlier this week, Mahamadou Sana, the Security Minister of Burkina Faso, stated that the absence of the ECOWAS symbol and any reference to ECOWAS on the passports stemmed from Ouagadougou’s decision to withdraw from the organization.
According to the director-general of the National Identification Office of Burkina Faso, the travel documents were created by the Chinese firm EmpTech.
In January, 2024, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, which had established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to “mutually safeguard against security threats,” collectively declared their withdrawal from the 15-nation ECOWAS bloc.
The three nations criticized the regional group for endangering their sovereignty, alleging that it acted as an instrument for foreign interests after the bloc, supported by France, issued threats of military intervention in Niger to reinstate democratic governance following the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
France’s three ex-colonies, having abruptly cut their defense connections with Paris, have expressed their disapproval of ECOWAS for implementing what they deem “illegal” and “inhumane” sanctions in reaction to the coups occurring in their nations.
Furthermore, they have accused the organization of neglecting to provide support in their fight against “jihadist violence” – a situation they cite as a rationale for the removal of their civilian governments.
In response to these accusations, ECOWAS has refuted the claims and has actively sought to persuade Bamako, Niamey, and Ouagadougou to reconsider their decisions, cautioning that their separation could jeopardize free trade and movement throughout the region.
In July, the Economic Community of West African States designated Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to commence discussions with the leaders of the Sahel region, aiming to break the deadlock and restore stability in the area.
In February, ECOWAS had lifted economic and travel sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
The three military leaders have expressed their unwillingness to rejoin the West African economic community. In May, Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine extended an invitation to ECOWAS members to participate in the Alliance for Sahel States, which he claims fosters a “culture of sovereignty and dignity.”
