Burkina Faso has announced it will no longer charge visa fees to citizens of any African country, describing the move as part of efforts to promote Pan-African solidarity and easier movement across the continent.

The decision was revealed after a cabinet meeting led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the military ruler who took power in 2022. According to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, travelers will still need to apply online for entry clearance, but no fees will be charged.

While West Africans already travel freely to Burkina Faso, the new policy comes months after the country, alongside Mali and Niger, exited ECOWAS, raising uncertainty about regional travel rules.

Officials said the policy is also meant to attract tourists, showcase Burkinabe culture, and highlight the country’s Pan-African direction. It places Burkina Faso among other African nations like Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya that have adopted similar measures.

Traoré, who often speaks against foreign influence in Africa, has gained popularity across the continent for his Pan-African stance. However, his government still faces challenges, with Islamist violence leaving large areas of the country beyond state control despite closer military ties with Russia.