Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso Adopt Unified Sahel Alliance e-Passport

The member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso — have officially adopted a unified electronic passport, marking a significant milestone in their regional integration efforts. The decision was formalised through a decree approved by the Council of Ministers in Bamako on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

The introduction of the AES e-passport represents a concrete step toward harmonising travel documents across the three nations. It follows the regional model adopted on April 18, 2025, and is expected to facilitate the free movement of people within the shared Sahelian space.

According to the decree, the new passport will be issued under two service categories: 45,000 FCFA for standard service and 90,000 FCFA for premium service.

Officials describe the initiative as a symbol of unity and cooperation among the AES countries, reaffirming their collective commitment to strengthening regional sovereignty, integration, and shared development.

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