Burkina Faso Ditches ECOWAS Logo on New Passports

Burkina Faso's New Passport Design

The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS has sparked concerns that the freedom...

Burkina Faso launches new passports without the ECOWAS logo, sparking curiosity about the country's regional ties.

Burkina Faso has taken a significant step in solidifying its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by issuing new biometric passports without the regional bloc's logo. This move comes after the country, along with Niger and Mali, severed ties with the 15-member organization following sanctions imposed in response to military coups.

The three countries have been at odds with ECOWAS since the sanctions were imposed, with the regional bloc demanding a return to constitutional order as a condition for lifting the sanctions. However, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have accused ECOWAS of prioritizing selfish interests over the principles of Pan-Africanism.

Despite ECOWAS's suspension being the official stance, the three countries have rejected any plans to rejoin the regional bloc. Instead, they have chosen to forge their own path, citing a desire to uphold the spirit of Pan-Africanism and resist what they perceive as external interference in their internal affairs.

He 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 realization of the action already taken by Burkina Faso.”

According to global rankings, Burkina Faso's passport ranks 78 out of 198, offering its citizens access to 60 visa-free destinations worldwide, including countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.

The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS has sparked concerns that the freedom of movement and common market for the bloc's 400 million people will be compromised. ECOWAS has warned that the exit of these countries will undermine the regional integration efforts that have been in place for over 50 years.

President Bola Tinubu, ECOWAS chairman, is persuading Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to reconsider their exit from the regional bloc. Tinubu's team is engaging in diplomatic efforts to address their concerns.

ECOWAS will remain friendly to the trio, despite their decision to withdraw, President Tinubu assures. He emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation and the benefits of ECOWAS membership.