- New biometric passports omit the ECOWAS logo
- Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have collectively decided to exit ECOWAS
- The departure raises concerns about regional stability and freedom
Burkina Faso has introduced new biometric passports that notably exclude the ECOWAS logo, underscoring its commitment to distancing itself from the West African regional alliance following a recent coup.
This move follows a joint January announcement with Niger and Mali—both also under military leadership—declaring their intention to exit the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana highlighted at the passport launch that the absence of the ECOWAS logo reflects Burkina Faso’s ongoing efforts to implement its exit from the bloc.
This decision comes amidst concerns from ECOWAS about potential disruptions to regional movement and economic integration affecting its 400 million citizens.
The three countries, now aligned in the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States, have pivoted from Western military and diplomatic relationships towards forging stronger ties with Russia, all while grappling with ongoing conflicts linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State that threaten regional stability.
