The leader of Mali’s ruling junta, Assimi Goita, has made a significant announcement regarding the introduction of new biometric passports by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This move is aimed at bolstering the newly formed Sahel alliance in the wake of their departure from the West African bloc. Goita indicated that the upcoming days will see the distribution of a new biometric passport for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which is intended to standardize travel documents within the alliance.
Goita emphasized the alliance’s commitment to developing the necessary infrastructure to enhance the connectivity of their territories, focusing on transportation, communication networks, and information technology. Burkina Faso took a decisive step on September 4, 2024, by launching its new biometric passports, notably omitting the emblem of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This act was a clear manifestation of its intent to exit the regional bloc following a military coup.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana highlighted during the unveiling that the new passport lacks any ECOWAS branding or mention, reflecting Burkina Faso’s decision to leave the organization since January. The passports are said to be produced by Emptech, a Chinese biometrics company.
In January 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger collectively announced their withdrawal from the 15-nation ECOWAS. The regional body warned that their exit could jeopardize the freedom of movement and the common market that serves the 400 million inhabitants of the long-established bloc.
The departure sparked concerns about the implications for their citizens, who would lose access to the ECOWAS passport, biometric ID card, and exclusion from the West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) program. The WURI initiative, supported by the World Bank, facilitates the issuance of foundational IDs across several ECOWAS countries.
The new passport initiative by the Sahel alliance is poised to mitigate these issues by offering an alternative mechanism for regional identification and integration.
Additionally, Burkina Faso’s efforts to upgrade its digital public infrastructure received a substantial boost in March 2024, with a $150 million investment from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). This funding is set to propel the nation’s “Digital Acceleration Project,” which aims to enhance infrastructure, public services, and digital capabilities, potentially supporting the biometric passport initiative and reinforcing regional connectivity.
