Hurdles for free movement within the Alliance of Sahel States

The decision by the member nations of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to withdraw from ECOWAS was intended as a bold assertion of national sovereignty. However, this geopolitical shift has resulted in significant obstacles for the seamless transit of individuals and commercial products across the region.

For citizens of the AES nations, administrative paperwork has turned into a major hurdle. Essential documents, including passports, national identity cards, and driving licenses, are now frequently scrutinized or rejected when travelers attempt to cross into the ECOWAS zone.

Almou Yacouba, the general secretary of a prominent transport union in Niger, shed light on the daily frustrations faced by drivers. He pointed out that international registration certificates and insurance policies are causing immense stress within the AES. Furthermore, traveling into ECOWAS territory has become a logistical nightmare.

“We are facing serious issues with international permits and registration cards during our journeys,” Yacouba explained. “For instance, if you present a Niger identity card in Côte d’Ivoire, officials often claim it is invalid because it shows a production date but lacks an expiration date. Previously, ECOWAS identity cards facilitated travel, but since our departure, border agents continue to demand them, leaving travelers in a difficult position regarding their travel documents.”

Corruption and extortion at border crossings

While the governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have attempted to mitigate these problems, travelers and commercial transporters continue to report abusive inspections and demands for bribes at various checkpoints. These unethical practices persist despite the official rhetoric of cooperation.

Chaibou Tchiombiano, who leads a union for importers and exporters in Niger, noted that even moving within the AES borders is far from simple. “In theory, we should enjoy the free movement of goods and people. In reality, we are constantly blocked by these issues,” he remarked.

Tchiombiano suggested a potential solution to these administrative roadblocks: “Our hope is for the implementation of a single AES passport. This would allow us to travel without restriction across the entire AES territory.”

The lack of standardized administrative documentation remains a critical challenge for the populations of these three countries. To address these concerns, transport ministers from the Alliance of Sahel States gathered in Niamey in December 2025. The meeting focused on establishing new protocols for the movement of people and trade within the AES space following their exit from the regional ECOWAS bloc.