The Malian, Burkinabe, and Nigerien Anatomies have stated their plan to bring forth a common travel passport. These three countries, who formed the Alliance of Sahel States as a defense pact in September 2023, are looking forward to provide the secure mobility of their citizens within their countries and around the world.
This new agenda of a single passport for these states, post their exit from the Economic Community of West African States leading to the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States, will commence on January 29th. The member states of the Alliance of Sahel States officially announced to ECOWAS on January 28th, 2024 of leaving the bloc, but the regulations of ECOWAS required for a full 12 month notice before full withdrawal could take place. ECOWAS at a meeting in Abuja Nigeria in November 2024 stated that, there was a 6 month duration post their official exit in January 2025 to reconsider their decision and if possible return to the bloc again. The Alliance quickly rescinded the decision and are on the move of having their single passport even though ECOWAS offers a visa free passport to her all her member states travelling within their territories.
Post one year, the Alliance, confident of their exit, look forward to cooperating deeply after seeing ECOWAS as an ally to their former colonist nation, France. Mali had their coup d’etat in May 2021 under the leadership of Col. Assimi Goïta, Burkina Faso on 30th September 2022 under Captain Ibrahim Traore and Niger on 26th July 2023 under Captain Oligui Nguema.
AFRICAN VOICES INTERNATIONAL, FREEDOM IN AFRICA
