Burkina Faso has officially issued new biometric passports that no longer bear the logo of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a move that underscores its decision to withdraw from the 15-member regional bloc.
The passport redesign reflects the nation’s severed ties with ECOWAS, following sanctions imposed on Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali after military coups in the three countries.
Announcing the passport update on Tuesday, Burkina Faso’s security minister, Mahamadou Sana, said: “On this passport, there’s no ECOWAS logo, and no mention of ECOWAS either. Since January, Burkina Faso has decided to withdraw from this body, and this is just a realisation of the action already taken by Burkina Faso.”
The decision to omit the ECOWAS emblem is symbolic of a broader rejection of the bloc’s policies, particularly its response to the recent political upheavals. While ECOWAS imposed only suspensions on the three countries, they have denounced any potential return, accusing the bloc of abandoning pan-Africanism in favour of selfish interests.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have faced mounting pressure from ECOWAS to restore constitutional order to lift the sanctions. However, the countries have firmly resisted, calling the organisation’s approach divisive.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who chairs ECOWAS, and his team have been actively urging the nations to reconsider their exits. Tinubu has also reassured that the bloc would maintain a friendly stance towards them.
Burkina Faso’s passport now ranks 78th globally, granting access to 60 visa-free destinations, including ECOWAS member countries, according to the Henley Passport Index. However, the country’s departure from ECOWAS could pose significant challenges to the freedom of movement and the common market for the 400 million people living within the bloc.
ECOWAS has warned that the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger may undermine the core principles of regional integration that have sustained the 50-year-old organisation.
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