Burkina Faso has released new biometric passports which bear no logo or mention of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The new passport was unveiled by Burkinabe Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana on Tuesday.
The new passport is a development of the decision of Burkina Faso to severe ties with the 15-member regional bloc.
Burkina Faso along with Niger and Mali decided to severe ties with ECOWAS after the organization imposed sanctions on them after they conceded to military coups.
According to Sana, “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.”
All three nations – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger- have accused ECOWAS of prioritizing selfish interests over the spirit of pan-Africanism after they received sanctions.
The bloc has consistently called for the return to constitutional order as a condition for lifting the sanctions and has warned that the move would negatively impact free movement and common market in the region.
According to the Henley Passport Index, Burkina Faso’s passport ranks 78th globally, with access to 60 visa-free destinations, including many ECOWAS member states.
President Tinubu who is the current ECOWAS chairman has said the bloc remains friendly and open to these countries despite their exit. Will the new passport affect Burkina Faso’s visa agreements within the bloc?
