Ouagadougou: The Council of Ministers has adopted two significant decrees aimed at enhancing the security and modernization of travel and identity documents. These decrees focus on the introduction of a biometric AES identity card and the establishment of an emergency and pilgrimage passport.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Ministry of Security, represented by Divisional Police Commissioner Mahamadou Sana, announced that this initiative aligns with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The first decree is part of a broader strategy to regulate travel documents and ensure their compliance with these standards.

The decree introduces key innovations, including the creation of an emergency passport for urgent situations such as medical evacuations, and a pilgrimage passport designed specifically for religious travel needs. These measures are intended to address compelling necessities and provide citizens with more versatile travel document options.

Furthermore, the second decree concerns the rollout of a biometric AES identity card, aiming to equip the country with a secure and reliable form of identification that meets both community and international standards. This new identity card will also facilitate citizens' access to essential social services.

In a notable development, the decree allows any Burkinabe citizen aged 5 years or older to apply for the AES biometric identity card, which will have a validity of ten years. Commissioner Mahamadou Sana highlighted that there will be a transitional period of five years from the card's introduction, during which the current identity cards in the AES States will be gradually phased out.