Three junta-led nations have left the regional economic bloc ECOWAS, citing alleged French influence on the group. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are increasingly turning to Russia as an ally.The Sahel states of Mali,

The passport, set to be available from January 29, is part of their new alliance, the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). The three countries, all led by military governments, say the passport will replace the ECOWAS passport.

The ECOWAS bloc has offered some concessions to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger following their exit from the union ・ECOWAS granted concessions to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger following their exit from the union ・The bloc emphasized its open-door policy for continued engagement with the three countries ・ECOWAS instructed member states to recognize