The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)—intended as a sovereignty move—has inadvertently restricted the free movement of people and goods from these nations. While the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) aims to foster regional integration, practical challenges remain for travelers and businesses navigating border crossings.
Administrative hurdles, including passports, ID cards and driver’s licenses, now pose significant obstacles for AES citizens traveling within the ECOWAS zone. Almou Yacouba, Secretary-General of the Niger Road Transport Workers’ Union, highlights recurring issues at border posts.
“The international vehicle registration and international driver’s permit are major concerns. Even within the AES, securing the ECOWAS insurance remains problematic. Travelers using Niger ID cards, for instance, often face rejection in countries like Côte d’Ivoire, where officials cite missing expiration dates—even when none were previously required. Before the withdrawal, ECOWAS IDs were widely accepted, but now, travelers report additional demands at border crossings. The situation is undeniably frustrating for anyone trying to move freely.”
border corruption persists within AES
Despite reforms by Sahel governments, travelers and transporters still encounter extortion and arbitrary checks at AES borders. Chaibou Tchiombiano, Secretary-General of Niger’s importers and exporters association, underscores the gap between policy and practice.
“We should enjoy seamless movement of people and goods, but unfortunately, we still face these issues.”
“Our hope”, he adds, “is for a unified AES passport that would allow unrestricted travel across the Alliance.”
To address these challenges, Niamey hosted a December 2025 ministerial meeting focused on restoring free movement within the AES. The gathering followed the three nations’ exit from ECOWAS, signaling a new phase for regional mobility.
