Burkina Faso has introduced a new biometric passport without an insignia of the Economic Community of West African States.
This further buttressed the fact that Burkina Faso, together with Niger and Mali are not reconsidering ties that they had severed with ECOWAS.
With this evidence, Burkina Faso is solidifying its break from the regional bloc following military coups in the country like it was in Mali and Niger.
Burkina Faso’s Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, announced on Tuesday that: “This passport does not feature the ECOWAS logo or any mention of ECOWAS.
“Since January, Burkina Faso has decided to withdraw from this body, and this is simply a realization of the action already taken by Burkina Faso.”
Recall that the three nations severed relations with the 15-member bloc after ECOWAS imposed sanctions in response to the military takeovers.
Although the organization only issued a suspension, it has demanded that the countries return to constitutional order before the sanctions are lifted.
This invitation has been rejected by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which have shown no interest at all in reintegrating.
They have also accused ECOWAS of betraying the pan-African ideals for which it was founded.
Despite its departure, Burkina Faso’s passport remains relatively strong, ranked 78th globally.
The passport also provides visa-free access to 60 destinations, including current ECOWAS member countries, as indicated by the Henley Passport Index.
