Burkina Faso Unveils New Biometric Passport, Ditches ECOWAS Logo

Burkina Faso has introduced new biometric passports without the logo of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking a significant step in its withdrawal from the regional bloc.

The decision follows Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali severing ties with ECOWAS after the bloc imposed sanctions in response to military coups in the three nations.

ECOWAS has maintained that sanctions will only be lifted when the countries restore constitutional order.

All three nations have criticized ECOWAS, accusing it of straying from its pan-African principles in favor of self-serving interests. Although ECOWAS suspended their membership, the countries have firmly rejected any plans for a return.

On Tuesday, Mahamadou Sana, Burkina Faso’s security minister, announced the passport update, stating, “This passport no longer bears the ECOWAS logo or any mention of the organization. Since January, Burkina Faso has decided to withdraw from this body, and this is the realization of that decision.”

Burkina Faso’s passport ranks 78th globally, granting access to 60 visa-free destinations, including ECOWAS member states, according to the Henley Passport Index.

However, ECOWAS warns that the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger threatens the free movement and economic integration of the bloc’s 400 million citizens.

Despite the growing divide, President Bola Tinubu, chairman of ECOWAS, continues efforts to persuade the nations to reconsider, assuring them of the bloc’s continued goodwill.