The military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to introduce new biometric passports as part of their ongoing withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The move, announced by Malian junta leader Assimi Goita, comes as the three Sahel nations continue to deepen their ties within a newly formed regional alliance.
The introduction of the new passports, which will bear the logo of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), is intended to harmonize travel documents within the region and facilitate the movement of citizens throughout the world, according to a Reuters report.
The move marks a significant step towards the creation of a unified economic and political space for the three countries.
The decision to withdraw from ECOWAS, which has sought to pressure the juntas to reinstate democratic rule, was announced in January 2023. The three countries have since taken a series of steps to strengthen their ties, including the formation of a joint military force and the establishment of a shared intelligence network.
The departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS is a major blow to the regional bloc, which has been struggling to address the growing security and economic challenges facing the region. The three countries are home to a combined population of over 60 million people and play a crucial role in the regional economy.
The introduction of the new passports comes as the Sahel region continues to grapple with a growing jihadist insurgency. Groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have carried out numerous attacks in recent years, displacing millions of people and undermining the stability of the region.
The three juntas have argued that their withdrawal from ECOWAS is necessary to allow them to focus on combating the insurgency. They have also accused the regional bloc of interfering in their internal affairs.
However, critics of the juntas have warned that their withdrawal from ECOWAS could further destabilize the region. They argue that the bloc is essential for promoting peace, security, and economic development in the Sahel.
The introduction of the new passports is a significant development in the ongoing saga of the Sahel region. It remains to be seen whether the move will help to consolidate the position of the three juntas and promote stability in the region.
ECOWAS Warns of Consequences for Withdrawal
ECOWAS has warned that the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc could have serious consequences for the region. The organization has threatened to impose sanctions on the three countries if they do not reverse their decision.
In a statement issued in January 2023, ECOWAS said that the withdrawal of the three countries would undermine the freedom of movement and common market of the 400 million people living in the region. It also warned that the move could lead to a breakdown in security cooperation.
The bloc has accused the juntas of undermining democratic principles and human rights. It has also called on the international community to support its efforts to restore constitutional order in the three countries.
However, the juntas have dismissed the warnings from ECOWAS. They have argued that the bloc is biased against them and has failed to address the security challenges facing the region.
Sahel Trio Seeks to Deepen Ties
In addition to introducing new passports, the Sahel trio is also taking steps to deepen its ties within the AES. The alliance, which was formed in January 2023, is composed of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Mauritania.
The three juntas have pledged to work together to address the security and economic challenges facing the region. They have also promised to promote peace, stability, and development.
In a joint statement issued in January 2023, the leaders of the three countries said that they would work to strengthen their military cooperation and intelligence sharing. They also pledged to promote regional trade and investment.
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The formation of the AES is a significant development in the Sahel region. It represents a new attempt to address the challenges facing the region and to promote regional cooperation.
However, the alliance faces a number of challenges. The region is plagued by poverty, inequality, and political instability. The jihadist insurgency is also a major threat to the security and stability of the region.
The Sahel trio will need to work together to address these challenges and to build a more prosperous and stable region.
If You Ask Me
The introduction of new biometric passports by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger is a significant development in the Sahel region. It comes as the three countries continue to deepen their ties within the AES and as they face growing pressure from ECOWAS to reverse their decision to withdraw from the regional bloc.
The move is intended to harmonize travel documents within the region and to facilitate the movement of citizens. However, it remains to be seen whether it will help to promote stability and prosperity in the Sahel.
The region faces a number of challenges, including the jihadist insurgency, poverty, and inequality. The Sahel trio will need to work together to address these challenges and to build a more prosperous and stable region.
