Challenges facing the AES in achieving free movement of goods and people

The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was intended as a step toward greater sovereignty. However, it has created significant barriers to the free movement of citizens and goods within the region.

Administrative hurdles block free movement within ECOWAS

Citizens of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) now face major challenges when traveling within the ECOWAS region. Issues with essential travel documents such as passports, national identity cards, and driver’s licenses have become increasingly common.

Almou Yacouba, secretary-general of Niger’s Democratic Road Transport Union, highlights the difficulties encountered by travelers:

“We’re facing problems with international vehicle registration certificates and international driver’s permits. The ECOWAS insurance requirement is particularly burdensome for us in the AES region. When traveling within ECOWAS, we often encounter difficulties with international vehicle registration certificates and driver’s permits. For example, if you have a Nigerien national ID card and arrive in Côte d’Ivoire, they may reject it because it lacks an expiration date, only showing the manufacturing date. Previously, ECOWAS identity cards were accepted for travel, but now that we’re no longer part of ECOWAS, some border officials are demanding them. Travelers like us are really struggling with these travel documents.”

Bribery and corruption persist at borders despite AES integration

Despite efforts by Sahel states to improve cross-border travel, transporters and travelers continue to face extortion and demands for bribes at various borders—even within the AES region.

Chaibou Tchiombiano, secretary-general of Niger’s Importers and Exporters Association, explains the ongoing challenges:

“In theory, we should have free movement of people and goods. Unfortunately, we often still face these kinds of problems.”

“Our hope,” he continues, “is for a unified AES passport that would allow free movement across the AES territory.”

Administrative document issues remain a critical challenge for citizens of the three countries. This prompted Niamey to host a ministerial meeting in December 2025 to discuss the free movement of people and goods within the AES space, following their withdrawal from ECOWAS.

Key takeaways

• The withdrawal from ECOWAS has complicated travel for AES citizens, particularly regarding document validity and recognition.
• Even within the AES, travelers face arbitrary controls and bureaucratic barriers.
• There is a strong demand for a unified passport system within the AES to facilitate regional mobility.
• Corruption and bribery at border crossings persist, undermining regional integration efforts.