Members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) have been urged to intensify efforts in sensitizing African citizens and policymakers on the benefits of free movement, particularly in relation to the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This call was made by Ms. Rita Amukhobu, Head of the Humanitarian Affairs Division and In-Charge of the Free Movement Protocol at the African Union Commission’s Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development. She addressed the PAP Committee on Trade, Customs, and Immigration Matters during the ongoing Sitting of the Permanent Committees.
Ms. Amukhobu emphasized the need for parliamentarians to advocate for the ratification and implementation of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons in Africa. Since its adoption in January 2018, the Protocol has received 32 signatures and four ratifications from Rwanda, Niger, Mali, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
“Despite the slow ratification, several countries have taken steps to support the Protocol’s objectives. West African nations continue to lead in promoting free movement, with seven of the continent’s top ten performers in this region. Notably, 24 countries now offer e-visas—an increase from 2016—and 33 countries provide visa-free travel to citizens of at least ten other African nations. Rwanda, Benin, The Gambia, Kenya, Ghana, Mauritius, and Seychelles have gone further by extending visa-free access to all African citizens,” she stated.
Within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), 97% of intra-regional travel routes are visa-free, reflecting strong commitment to borderless mobility. However, implementation challenges persist, requiring urgent attention from African parliamentarians.
Challenges to Free Movement Implementation
Ms. Amukhobu outlined key obstacles to the Protocol’s implementation, including a lack of political will, security concerns, and economic apprehensions. Additionally, inconsistencies in policy harmonization among regional blocs, particularly in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Northern Africa, have stalled progress.
“Some regional blocs have adopted a cautious stance, delaying ratification due to competing regional priorities. This hesitation creates significant barriers to achieving a unified approach to free movement, limiting the potential social and economic benefits,” she noted.
The Role of the Pan-African Parliament
To accelerate the Protocol’s adoption and implementation, Ms. Amukhobu stressed the critical role of PAP in advocacy and awareness campaigns. She recommended:
- Engaging high-profile individuals as Goodwill Ambassadors to champion the Protocol.
- Conducting studies to address uncertainties and improve understanding of the Protocol’s provisions.
Promoting policy harmonization to facilitate seamless movement of people, goods, and services.
- Lobbying strategic partners for resources to support the Protocol’s implementation roadmap.
“These efforts will strengthen PAP’s role in driving the realization of free movement across Africa,” she concluded.
Pan-African Parliament Fact-Finding Mission in Tanzania
As part of its oversight mandate and in line with calls for the legislative arm of the African Union to fully play its role, Pan-African Parliament Committee on Trade, Customs, and Immigration Matters conducted a fact-finding and advocacy mission in Tanzania from 19 to 25 October 2024.
The mission aimed to assess Tanzania’s progress in implementing the AfCFTA’s Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) and included a visit to the Namanga One Stop Border Post on both the Tanzanian and Kenyan sides.
During the mission, the Committee also engaged with Tanzanian authorities to advocate for the signing and ratification of the African Union Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, the Right of Residence, and the Right of Establishment.
