AES To Launch Biometric Passport As It Marks One Year Anniversary

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) will launch a biometric passport in the coming days to simplify travel and enhance mobility for its citizens.

This announcement was made by the President of the AES, Colonel Assimi Goïta, during a speech marking the first anniversary of the Liptako Gourma Charter on September 15, 2024. He added that the AES will also launch a common TV station.

On September 16, 2023, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a mutual defence pact aimed at helping each other against insurgents or external aggression. The charter, which was known as the Alliance of Sahel States, bound the three countries to assist one another anytime any of them was attacked, especially militarily or economically.

During the speech on Sunday, Goïta highlighted the joint efforts and progress of the member nations — Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — in combating terrorism and defending their sovereignty, despite external challenges.

“In the security field, our armed forces have taken up major challenges against adversaries supported by third-party states, such as Ukraine, which has openly chosen to side with terrorism in the Sahel,” he said. “We continue to fight relentlessly against all forms of terrorism and to defend the integrity of our territories and our sovereignty.”

Nevertheless, Göita said the AES remains open to cooperation with friendly nations in the spirit of mutual respect and strengthening African integration.

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