The current government came to power by a military coup, which preceded this decision. Burkina Faso’s resolve to break away from the 15-member regional alliance is furthered by this action.

Burkina Faso has introduced new biometric passports that prominently lack the bloc’s insignia, a bold move towards formalising its exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The current government came to power by a military coup, which preceded this decision. Burkina Faso’s resolve to break away from the 15-member regional alliance is furthered by this action.

“Neither the ECOWAS logo nor any mention of ECOWAS are present on this passport. “Security Minister Mahamadou Sana told reporters at the launch on Tuesday that Burkina Faso has decided to withdraw from this body since January, and this is just a realisation of the action already taken by Burkina Faso.”

Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali’s planned exit from the bloc, according to ECOWAS, would have serious repercussions and jeopardise the integrity of the common market and freedom of movement, which have benefited the 400 million members of the 50-year-old regional organisation.

This development occurs at a crucial time when the three nations are trying to deal with the growing threat that insurgent organisations connected to the Islamic State and al Qaeda represent.