Challenges for the AES regarding the free movement of goods and individuals
The decision by the countries within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to withdraw from ECOWAS was intended as a bold assertion of sovereignty. However, this move has simultaneously created significant barriers to the free movement of people and merchandise originating from these three nations.
Essential administrative documents, including passports, national identity cards, and driving licenses, have emerged as a primary obstacle for citizens of the AES who wish to travel throughout the ECOWAS zone.
Almou Yacouba, the general secretary of the Democratic Road Union of Niger, has highlighted the specific difficulties encountered when attempting to enter ECOWAS territory.
“We are facing serious concerns regarding international registration cards and international driving permits. Specifically, the ECOWAS insurance requirements are proving to be exhausting within the AES space. We also encounter hurdles with international documentation during transit. For instance, if you present a Niger identity card in Côte d’Ivoire, authorities often claim it is invalid because it displays a production date but lacks an expiration date. Previously, ECOWAS identity cards facilitated travel, but since we are no longer members, border agents are demanding those specific documents. We are truly struggling with travel paperwork,” he explained.
Corruption and extortion at border crossings
Despite ongoing attempts by Sahel governments to resolve these issues, transport operators and travelers continue to face harassment and demands for bribes at various borders. This persistent corruption hampers the vision of a unified economic space.
Chaibou Tchiombiano, who serves as the general secretary for importers and exporters in Niger, notes that even within the AES itself, moving across borders is far from simple.
“Ideally, we should benefit from the unrestricted movement of people and products. Unfortunately, we frequently run into these types of complications,” Tchiombiano stated.
He further added, “Our hope is for the implementation of a unified AES passport, which would permit us to travel without restriction throughout the AES territories.”
Resolving the issue of administrative documentation remains a vital priority for the citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Consequently, Niamey hosted a summit of Transport Ministers from the Alliance of Sahel States in December 2025. The primary objective was to coordinate the free flow of goods and individuals within the AES region following their departure from the Economic Community of West African States.
