The Sahel region is a geographical belt in Africa that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, between the Sahara Desert in the north and the Savannah in the south. It is characterised by challenging environmental crises and conflicts.

A source who asked for anonymity said Emptech is not involved in the production of the new passport for the three Sahel states.

"The rise of junta rule in the Sahel represents a complex interplay between decolonization and destabilization."

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.

Junta-led countries Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso officially left West Africa's main political and trade group ECOWAS on Wednesday after more than a year of diplomatic tensions.

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 deadline for the exit of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States is set to expire today, creating significant uncertainty within the region.

The three junta-led West African nations, who have come together to form the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS) after their coups, formally left the Economic Community of West African States, after a year of diplomatic moves to avert their withdrawal.

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) withdraws from ECOWAS and continues initiatives for independence, regional integration, and defensive cooperation.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has initiated the post-exit dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which will determine the new relationship between the rest of the region with the trio.

France has handed over its last military base in Chad to local authorities. The move on Thursday came two months after the former French colony in central Africa broke off its defense cooperation agreement with Paris.