Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to introduce biometric passport as part of new alliance

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will introduce new biometric passports as they solidify a new alliance called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), after their exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), according to Reuters. Malian leader Assimi Goita made the announcement Sunday.

The three junta-led countries decided in January to leave the 15-member ECOWAS bloc, opting for closer cooperation within the Sahel region. The new AES passports will replace those carrying the ECOWAS logo. 

Goita also mentioned plans to launch a shared information channel to promote unified communication across the member states. This move aligns with the anniversary of the formation of their tripartite alliance.  

ECOWAS has warned that this withdrawal could undermine the free movement and common market for the region's 400 million people. The decision comes amid ongoing battles against insurgent groups destabilizing the Sahel region.