Samuel Mbewe
Life and Peace Institute Senior Borderlands adviser Stephen Karimi of Kenya has called on more countries in Africa to ratify the African Union’s protocol on free movement.
Speaking during the Africans Rising, Borderless Africa Campaign conference, Mr. Karimi says the goal of the campaign is to achieve an Africa where Africans can move around their own continent without the current restrictions in place, for better trade, integration and development.
He said some traveling documents such as VISA acts as a barrier to many Africans moving within Africa and miss opportunities for the local service economy and trade.
Mr. Karimi has noted that some African countries are still skeptical to ratify to the African Union’s protocol on free movement for fear of insecurity which should not be the case.
He has urged the movement and other civil society organizations to engage governments on the importance of opening borders.
And Sustainable Rural Development Organization Executive Director January Mvula of Malawi says it is unfortunate that many leaders in Africa are looking outside for solutions despite Africa endowed with natural resources.
Mr. Mvula says Africans Rising, Borderless Africa campaigns conference is an eye opener that Africans should share resources equally in a fair manner as they fight for one Africa.
He says when Africa become one as a continent it will be strong and will not be taken advantage by other continents. Mr. Mvula says borders where placed by the colonial masters and it is time for African leaders to ratify to the African Union’s protocol on free movement
