Burkina Faso has introduced a new biometric passport without the ECOWAS logo, marking its formal departure from the regional bloc. The decision follows the country’s withdrawal from ECOWAS, alongside Mali and Niger, after military coups in the three nations. The passport still allows visa-free access to ECOWAS countries, despite the break from the organisation.

[dropcap]B[/dropcap]urkina Faso has launched a new biometric passport that excludes the logo of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), further solidifying its break from the 15-member regional bloc.

The decision was announced by Burkina Faso’s Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, who confirmed that the country no longer recognises ECOWAS following its formal withdrawal in January.

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Burkina Faso, alongside Niger and Mali, severed ties with ECOWAS after military coups in the three countries. ECOWAS responded by imposing sanctions and suspending the nations from the bloc.

However, the countries have rejected the sanctions, accusing ECOWAS of betraying its original pan-African ideals. They have shown no intention of returning to constitutional order, which ECOWAS insists is a precondition for lifting sanctions.

Despite the exclusion of the ECOWAS logo from the passport, Burkina Faso’s travel document remains relatively powerful. Ranked 78th globally on the Henley Passport Index, it still allows visa-free access to 60 destinations, including ECOWAS member states.

This suggests that Burkina Faso’s departure from the bloc has not yet affected the country’s travel privileges within the region.

ECOWAS has expressed concerns about the long-term effects of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s exit, particularly on the free movement of people and goods within West Africa.

The organisation’s chair, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, has been attempting to persuade the countries to reconsider their decision.

Tinubu has emphasised that ECOWAS remains open to peaceful and cooperative relations despite the current tensions.