Scores of people on Tuesday rallied in Niger and Burkina Faso in support of the withdrawal of their countries from the Economic Community of West African

Thousands of people rallied Tuesday in Niger and Burkina Faso in support of the withdrawal of their countries from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, which is due to take effect today.

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 departure of these three founding members from the bloc has fractured the region and is leaving the ECOWAS grouping with an uncertain future. The three countries have teamed up to form a separate confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have officially left West Africa’s main political and trade group ECOWAS after more than a year of diplomatic tension.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially severed ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking a

This will happen on Wednesday, all three countries having ignored ECOWAS's call to extend the period by six months to try to find a solution.

The three Sahelian countries teamed up to form a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as they exit ECOWAS Wednesday.

Ivory Coast will begin the defence of their Africa Cup of Nations title against Mozambique, while hosts and World Cup semifinalists Morocco open the 2025 tournament against the Comoros Islands in Rabat on Dec.

Thousands of people rallied in junta-led Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali on Tuesday to back their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States regional bloc, due to take