Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to launch new biometric passports as part of their initiative to strengthen their Alliance of Sahel States (AES) following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Colonel Assimi Goita, the military leader of Mali, announced that the passports aim to harmonize travel documents and facilitate mobility across the three nations, which are grappling with significant security challenges from jihadist groups. The announcement coincides with the one-year anniversary of the AES and follows the formation of a joint military force to counter escalating violence in the region. Goita also mentioned plans for a new information channel to promote effective communication among the states. ECOWAS has expressed concerns that the exit of these countries could disrupt the freedoms associated with regional movement and trade. The three countries, collectively home to approximately 72 million people, have faced increasing instability due to militant activities linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.