Burkina Faso’s President Traoré receives first AES biometric passport, marks historic break from ECOWAS
In a bold move that underscores the shifting geopolitical landscape in West Africa, Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré has officially completed his biometric enrollment and received the first-ever Confederation of Sahel States (AES) passport. The new travel document, issued on January 29, 2025, signifies a major step towards regional integration among the three AES member states—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
The President’s participation in the enrollment process formally launches the issuance of AES passports in Burkina Faso, reinforcing the confederation’s commitment to self-reliance and sovereignty. This passport will serve as a unified travel document for citizens of the AES bloc, reflecting the deepening cooperation between the Sahel nations following their official withdrawal from ECOWAS.
While existing ECOWAS passports will remain valid until their expiration, authorities have encouraged citizens to transition to the new AES biometric passport, which represents a symbol of independence and strengthened regional identity.
The move has sent shockwaves through ECOWAS, as it cements the three nations’ decisive break from the West African regional body. With this development, the Confederation of Sahel States continues to forge its own path, focusing on closer economic, security, and political ties within the Sahel region.
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