Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Burkina Faso launches new passport without ECOWAS logo

POSTED ON September 5, 2024 •   Breaking News      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
Burkina Faso New Passport l Photo Credit: AriseTV

Burkina Faso has introduced a new biometric passport without the logo of the Economic Community of West African States, further solidifying its break from the regional bloc.

The move comes after Burkina Faso, along with Niger and Mali, severed ties with ECOWAS following military coups in the three countries.

The decision to issue passports without the ECOWAS insignia was announced by Burkina Faso’s Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, on Tuesday.

Sana stated, “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 realisation of the action already taken by Burkina Faso.”

The three nations severed relations with the 15-member bloc after ECOWAS imposed sanctions in response to the military takeovers.

The organisation has only suspended the countries, but it has required them to restore constitutional order before the sanctions are lifted. However, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have all refused any plans for reintegration, accusing ECOWAS of betraying the pan-African principles it was founded upon.

Despite Burkina Faso's withdrawal, its passport remains relatively strong, ranked 78th globally and providing visa-free access to 60 destinations, including current ECOWAS member countries, according to the Henley Passport Index.

ECOWAS has expressed concerns that the withdrawal of these nations could undermine the free movement of people and goods within its borders, impacting the bloc's 400 million citizens.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, who currently chairs ECOWAS, has been actively trying to persuade the three countries to reconsider their exit, emphasising that the organisation remains open to maintaining friendly relations.

READ ALSO
Tinubu to Launch Multiple Development Projects Today in Kaduna
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

KADUNA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu is anticipated to arrive in Kaduna State today for the inaug...

READ ALSO
ECOWAS Calls for Unified Action Against Plastic Pollution at World Environment Day
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 18, 2025 0

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is calling for a unified regional effort from...

READ ALSO
Trump Proposes Visa Ban on Nigeria Amid Corruption Concerns
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 15, 2025 0

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated plans to impose a general visa ban o...

READ ALSO
Nigeria's Crude Oil Prices Surge to $80 Amid Rising Tensions Between Israel and Iran
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 14, 2025 0

Amid the increasing tensions between Israel and Iran, Nigeria's crude oil prices surged to nearly $8...

READ ALSO
National Assembly Urged to Enact Laws Protecting Human Rights as Civic Space Diminishes
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the National Assembly to urgently enact law...

READ ALSO
LASEMA Reaffirms Commitment to Flood Management as 2025 Campaign Kicks Off
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 14, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reaffirmed its readiness t...

READ ALSO
FG to Reclaim Dormant Oil Wells as NUPRC Implements 'Drill or Drop' Policy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 13, 2025 0

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has informed oil producers of its inte...

READ ALSO
House Narrowly Approves Trump-Backed Cuts to NPR, PBS and Foreign Aid
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 13, 2025 0

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted narrowly Thursday to slash $9.4 billion in previously approv...

OUR CHANNELS:

Osun Raises Alarm Over Alleged Fund Diversion by CBN and AGF
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

OSUN, Nigeria - The Osun State Government has expressed concern about a purported attempt by the Cen...


Nigeria Police Link Schoolgirl Cannabis Clip to Zimbabwe
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

The Nigeria Police Force has addressed a widely circulated video on WhatsApp and social media, which...


Tinubu to Launch Multiple Development Projects Today in Kaduna
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

KADUNA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu is anticipated to arrive in Kaduna State today for the inaug...


Tinubu Assembles High-Level Committee After Benue Tragedy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu announced the formation of a committee on Wednesday aimed at restoring sustain...


Finidi George Leads Rivers United into 2025/26 Season Training Camp
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

Rivers United's coach, Finidi George, has motivated his players as the Port Harcourt-based team kick...


Moses Simon Completes Move to Paris FC for €7 Million
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

As reported by French news source Foot Mercato, Paris FC, a newly-promoted team in French Ligue 1, h...


Osimhen's Impressive Loan Spell Fuels Transfer Speculation
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

Nigerian international Victor Osimhen remains at the center of significant transfer rumors, with Ita...


NDLEA Calls for Collective Action Against Drug Abuse in Nigeria
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has urged Nigerians and state governments to take r...


Tor Tiv Urges President Tinubu to Foster Lasting Peace in Benue State
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, expressed that President Bola Tinubu has the ability to bring lasti...


Desperate Investments: Why Nigerians Turn to Ponzi Schemes for Survival
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 19, 2025 0

At a modest internet café tucked away in Egbeda, a bustling Lagos suburb, 29-year-old Chidi O...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu