Burkina Faso has taken a bold step towards solidifying its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by introducing new biometric passports that conspicuously omit the bloc’s logo from their covers.
This decision comes on the heels of a military coup that brought the current leadership to power. The move reinforces Burkina Faso’s determination to sever ties with the 15-member regional alliance.
“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,” security minister Mahamadou Sana told reporters at the launch on Tuesday.
ECOWAS has warned that the impending withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from the bloc would have far-reaching consequences, compromising the freedom of movement and the integrity of the common market that has benefited the 400 million citizens of the 50-year-old regional organization.
This development comes at a critical juncture, as the three countries grapple with the escalating threat posed by insurgent groups affiliated with al Qaeda and Islamic State.