African Union launches continental passport
The African Union Passport was launched Sunday in Rwanda during the African Union heads of states 27th ordinary Summit.
The Passport which marks a milestone towards the process of opening up the continent for free movement of goods and services was handed over to heads of states upon which individuals countries will effect necessary legislations to allow their citizens acquire the passport from 2018.
Chadian President Idriss Deby who was among the first presidents to receive the passport called for fast integration of the continent to achieve socio-economic growth for the wellbeing of the African citizens. Derby expressed his delight on receiving the passport. “I feel deeply and proudly a true son of Africa after receiving this passport,” said Deby.
Deby who is also the chairperson of the AU urged member countries to come up with effective mechanisms to address challenges currently afflicting the continent.
The African Union Passport is part of the integration process aimed at enabling movement of people and goods in the continent. African Union Commission chairperson Dlamini Zuma said the passport will also be given to foreign affairs ministers and diplomatic officials at the African Union headquarters before it is rolled out to citizen subject to implementation by respective countries.
However the roll out of the passport which will in turn scrap issuance of visas means countries will have to lose out on revenue through visas. More importantly also will be the reluctance by countries to open up their borders owing to protectionist measures and threat of insecurity especially in the wake of terrorism in the continent.
Meanwhile the debate on the security situation in Southern Sudan also dominated the talks. The regional body IGAD had proposed sending troops to South Sudan following the ongoing conflict but South Sudan has emphatically opposed any more troops in the country.