The Republic of Niger has officially unveiled the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) biometric passport, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen regional integration among Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
President Abdourahamane Tiani became the first recipient of the new passport during an enrolment ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Niamey, where authorities also presented the passport’s official brochure.
The AES biometric passport was developed using harmonised technical standards agreed by experts from the three member states during a meeting in Bamako in October 2024. The specifications were later endorsed by ministers responsible for security in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.
According to the Nigerien government, the passport is designed to improve document security, facilitate the free movement of citizens within the Alliance of Sahel States, and harmonise travel and identification systems across the confederation.
Officials said the initiative is part of a broader programme aimed at modernising public administration, strengthening regional cooperation and reducing reliance on ECOWAS-era travel documents.
The launch follows the introduction of the AES biometric national identity card, with President Tiani and Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine among the first citizens to receive the new identification.
Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have continued to deepen cooperation under the Alliance of Sahel States through efforts to establish common institutions and enhance collaboration in defence, trade, customs, and the free movement of people and goods.
