Burkina Faso Issues New Passport Without ECOWAS Logo

• Burkina Faso introduces a new biometric passport without the ECOWAS logo, reflecting its withdrawal from the regional bloc after sanctions
• The removal of the ECOWAS logo signifies Burkina Faso’s decision to sever ties, impacting regional freedom of movement and cooperation

Burkina Faso has introduced a new biometric passport that does not feature the logo of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The announcement was made by Burkinabe Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana.

This development comes in the wake of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali severing ties with ECOWAS following sanctions imposed on them due to military coups.

ECOWAS has criticized the move, arguing that it undermines regional freedom of movement and the common market.

Minister Sana explained that the removal of the ECOWAS logo is a direct reflection of Burkina Faso’s decision to withdraw from the organization, which was announced in January.

Sana stated, “On this passport, there’s no ECOWAS logo, and no mention of 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.”