Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger : introduction of new biometric passports for Sahelian alliance

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will introduce new biometric passports, marking their withdrawal from ECOWAS in favor of a new Sahelian alliance. Announced by Malian leader Assimi Goita, this initiative aims to standardize travel documents and facilitate mobility for citizens of the three countries. Burkina Faso has already issued passports without the ECOWAS logo. This change comes as these countries combat insurgencies from extremist groups.