Within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a new biométrique passport is meant to replace the Community Economic of West African States (Cédéao) version. However, Niger citizens are still noticing the Cédéao logo on their recently issued passports, suggesting the deployment process varies significantly from one country to another.
delayed implementation of the AES passport in Niger
According to testimonies gathered from Nigerien travelers, those who recently renewed their passport or received it for the very first time have not seen any AES branding. One Nigerien living abroad explained that when he went to collect his passport for a trip to Saudi Arabia, he was surprised to see it still featured the Cédéao logo. “I asked why, but never received a proper answer. Shouldn’t I have an AES passport?” he questioned.
In Niger, the Cédéao passport remains both issued and valid, despite the official launch of the AES biométrique passport in 2025. The rollout process is progressing slowly, and discussions about it are widespread across social media platforms.
It was only in March that general Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of Niger’s military government, conducted his own biometric enrollment. This event officially marked the beginning of the Alliance of Sahel States biometric ID card production. Meanwhile, the manufacturing of the AES passports has been entrusted to the Libyan company Alitisal Aljadeed.
why the nigerien AES passport is still not available
- A Nigerien living in the diaspora confirmed that while he expected to receive an AES passport, the document he obtained still bore the Cédéao branding.
- Another Nigerien, who chose to remain anonymous, shared a similar experience: “I applied for a passport to travel to Mecca. When it was issued, I saw it was a Cédéao passport. I asked why, but there was no follow-up.”
AES passports already circulating in Burkina Faso and Mali
In the two other AES member countries, Burkina Faso and Mali, the transition to the new passports appears to be happening much faster.
what travellers need to know about Burkina Faso’s AES passport
In Burkina Faso, both the AES passport and the AES biometric national ID card are now being issued to those who request them. Authorities have highlighted that the new document complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, featuring an electronic chip and a polycarbonate page to enhance security against forgery.
recognition of Mali’s AES passport improves
In Mali, initial deployment issues were reported, particularly concerning the acceptance of the AES passport outside the country for the diaspora. However, recent feedback suggests the new document is now being recognized. A Malian living in France explained that when he applied for a passport renewal at the Malian consulate, the process remained the same as before. After a few weeks, he received a message to collect his passport, which now features the AES branding on the cover along with relevant symbols.
He subsequently made a round-trip journey to Mali without encountering any issues, confirming the acceptance of the new AES passport.
transition period: old cédéao passports still valid
During this transition phase, citizens who currently hold the older Cédéao passports can continue using them until they expire. This is what Mohamed (name changed for privacy) shared with us after traveling with his 2024-issued Cédéao passport. He stated that he could still use it for normal travel purposes until its validity runs out.
“But if I need to renew it, that’s when I’ll obtain the new AES passport, not the Cédéao version which isn’t being issued anymore in Mali.” he emphasized.
the AES passport: a new symbol of sovereignty
Introduced after the three AES countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) withdrew from the Cédéao in 2024, the AES passport and the AES biometric national ID card (CNIB-AES) represent a major shift in regional integration policies. The new documents not only aim to strengthen border security but also symbolize a regained sense of sovereignty and a definitive break with the former West African regional organization.
The AES passport integrates advanced biometric generation technology, including an electronic chip and polycarbonate security features, to comply with ICAO travel document standards. This move underscores the AES member countries’ commitment to enhancing both regional and international mobility security.
