Malian Minister of Security Daoud Aly Mohammedine has announced the launch of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) passport, confirming that it will coexist with the existing ECOWAS passport and carry the same diplomatic weight.
The new AES passport officially entered circulation today, as revealed by Minister Mohammedine during an interview on Nigerien television.
Citizens will have the option to retain their existing ECOWAS passports or obtain the new AES passport. Both passports will be valid for travel, with identical application procedures and fees at border police offices.
“We have taken all necessary measures with the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization),” Minister Mohammedine stated, emphasizing that the AES passport will have the same diplomatic standing as other internationally recognized travel documents. All diplomatic and consular missions of the three AES member states, along with accredited missions within the AES region, have been informed of this policy.
Minister Mohammedine further confirmed that holders of the AES passport will enjoy unrestricted movement within ECOWAS territories. He emphasized that “we have left ECOWAS, but we have not left West Africa,” highlighting the continued importance of regional cooperation. Similarly, ECOWAS nationals will be granted unrestricted travel within the AES region.
This development marks a significant step towards establishing the AES as a viable regional bloc while maintaining existing regional integration mechanisms.
AC/sf/lb/abj/APA