The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has announced that the new AES passports will officially enter circulation on January 29, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the confederal bloc’s efforts to enhance regional integration. This initiative is part of a broader roadmap aimed at facilitating the free movement of citizens and goods across the AES member states.
AES President Colonel Assimi Goïta emphasized that the new passports are a key element in the organization’s vision of improving intra-regional mobility and strengthening economic and social ties between the member states. According to Goïta, the introduction of the AES passports is expected to streamline travel, bolster trade, and reduce barriers for citizens within the confederation, which includes countries in the Sahel region of Africa.
The launch of the AES passports also aligns with a critical deadline for the AES member states: the full withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is scheduled for the same date, January 29, 2025. This move marks a step toward greater independence and self-determination for the member nations in their regional economic and political affairs.
Citizens of AES member states will be able to replace their existing travel documents with the new AES passports in a streamlined process. Existing passports will remain valid until their expiration dates, and citizens can switch to the AES passports following established procedures. This transition is expected to occur smoothly, with various governmental departments working in coordination to ensure efficiency.
The introduction of these passports is part of a wider strategy to reinforce regional cooperation and reduce reliance on external organizations such as ECOWAS. AES officials hope that the move will not only simplify cross-border movement but also contribute to greater stability and economic growth within the Sahel region, which has been grappling with numerous challenges, including security concerns and humanitarian crises.
As the AES continues to grow in influence, the rollout of the new passports symbolizes a deeper commitment to regional integration, with the potential to transform the way people, goods, and services move within one of Africa’s most geopolitically significant regions.
