China refuses to recognize Sahel Alliance passports in Mali

The Chinese Embassy in Mali has reportedly refused to recognize passports issued by the Alliance of Sahel States, AES, a regional bloc comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

The decision is seen as a significant setback for the ruling juntas of the three countries, who have been striving to gain international recognition for their alliance.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, disclosed this on Wednesday in a post on his X handle.

Makama noted that the AES was established in July 2024 to enhance security and economic cooperation among its members.

According to the report, the bloc introduced a common biometric passport in January 2025 to facilitate free movement across their borders.

However, the security expert stated that the document has now encountered diplomatic hurdles, with several countries, including Senegal, refusing to acknowledge it.

“The Chinese Embassy’s stance further complicates efforts to establish the AES as a recognized regional entity.

“This development could pose challenges for AES citizens traveling abroad and may affect diplomatic and economic relations between the alliance and other countries.

“The AES governments will need to intensify diplomatic efforts to gain broader acceptance of their official documents and strengthen their international standing,” Makama said.