Assimi Goita, President of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), announced on Thursday the launch of the AES confederation passport, which will be issued in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger starting January 29.
According to the statement, existing passports will remain valid until their expiration dates.
However, citizens holding old passports bearing the logo of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will have the option to exchange them for the new AES passports.
Goita assured citizens that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the smooth implementation of free movement for individuals and goods within the confederation.
On November 22, 2024, security ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger met in Bamako to finalize the technical specifications for the production of travel and identity documents for AES nationals.
This announcement comes as the three nations prepare to complete their withdrawal from ECOWAS on January 29.
The AES, established in September 2024, serves as a mutual defense pact among the member states.
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