Niamey, Niger – Niger has officially adopted a joint electronic passport with the Sahel Alliance countries. This move comes within the context of a growing trend towards strengthening regional integration and facilitating the movement of citizens between the alliance’s member states.
The adoption of the new passport comes as part of an agreement involving Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The agreement aims to unify official documents and strengthen shared sovereignty, particularly following the three countries’ collective withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The unified electronic passport features advanced digital and security capabilities. It allows for rapid identity verification and reduces forgery. Furthermore, it facilitates travel, movement, and employment within coalition countries. There is potential for its recognition to be expanded in the future.
Authorities in Niger affirmed that this step represents a significant sovereign dimension. It also reflects a political will to build an alternative cooperation framework based on shared interests, focusing particularly on security, development, and the economy.
The electronic passport is expected to be implemented gradually. This will occur after the completion of the technical and administrative aspects, paving the way for its general rollout to citizens in the coming period.
