The junta-led nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced on Thursday that a new common passport for their Confederation of Sahel States will take effect from January 29, coinciding with their official departure from the Economic Community of West African States.
This development follows the formation of the AES by the three countries, which have been under military rule since civilian governments were overthrown between 2020 and 2023. The confederation aims to strengthen their alliance in response to shared security and political challenges.
The trio had declared their withdrawal from ECOWAS on January 28 last year, accusing the regional bloc of subservience to their former colonial power, France, and of failing to provide adequate support in combating jihadist violence. Although they stated their exit was immediate, ECOWAS rules require a one-year notice period, making their departure effective on January 29.
In a statement broadcast on state television, General Assimi Goita, Malian junta chief and current president of the AES, announced the introduction of the new passports. “The president of the AES informs confederal and international opinion that the AES passports will be put into circulation from January 29,” he said.
The statement also clarified the status of existing passports: “However, the old passports remain valid until their expiry date,” referring to those bearing the ECOWAS logo. Citizens of the AES confederation with old ECOWAS passports will have the option to replace them with the new AES passports.
In addition to the new travel documents, the three nations plan to establish a 5,000-strong joint military unit to address the jihadist violence that has long plagued the Sahel region.
Since coming to power, the juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have severed ties with France and shifted their political and military alliances toward Russia and other international partners.