Burkina Faso issues first new AES passport to captain
Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré is the first person to ever be issued the new AES passport. This came mere days after Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali officially left the West African Economic and Monetary Union (ECOWAS).
According to AfricaNews on February 2nd, this symbolic moment marks a period of important political and economic shift in the region. Many see the AES passport as a key step towards the strengthening of relations amongst the three countries, after their respective departures from ECOWAS. This departure was met with jubilant celebration, as thousands took to the streets.
On the streets of Ouagadougou Burkina Faso, locals have expressed their desire that the AES passport will help to stop the spread of misinformation about the region. It is hoped that the passport will depict a clearer image of the countries’ capabilities.
Cheik Diallo, graphic designer from Ouagadougou, explained his thoughts on the role of the new passport in challenging perceptions: “Well, generally elsewhere, bad information is spread, and people think that the AES doesn’t work, whereas traveling with it shows that AES is not what’s being portrayed with negative images. And the proof is, we’re traveling, doing business. I can’t imagine being in AES and still using an ECOWAS passport.”
The passport’s production at the migration division in Ouagadougou started on January 3rd, marking an important step in the implementation of the AES.
However, some residents are cautious about what else this transition could mean, particularly in relations with ECOWAS countries. Among these concerns include the potential for higher customs fees to be implemented, affecting travel between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
ECOWAS has said that it will remain open to dialogue and cooperation with the AES countries, continuing to foster a positive relationship with all three.
AfricaNews, Le Monde, Maghrebi, MSN
