Burkina Faso has introduced new biometric passports that do not feature the ECOWAS logo, further indicating its intent to withdraw from the regional alliance following a military coup.
Burkina Faso, along with Niger and Mali, which are also governed by military juntas, announced in January their decision to leave the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Since then, ECOWAS has tried to persuade these countries to reconsider their departure.
“These passports do not display the ECOWAS logo or mention ECOWAS at all. This change reflects Burkina Faso’s decision to withdraw from the organization,” said Security Minister Mahamadou Sana at the passport launch on Tuesday.
ECOWAS has warned that the withdrawal of these countries could disrupt the freedom of movement and common market of the 400 million people in the bloc.
The departure comes as these nations face insurgencies from groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, which have destabilized West Africa’s central Sahel region and pose a threat to neighboring coastal states.
Since the coups in 2020-2023, the three countries have established a defense and cooperation pact known as the Alliance of Sahel States, cut long-standing military and diplomatic ties with Western nations, and sought closer relations with Russia.
