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THE ISSUE:

AFRICAN UNION PASSPORT

With the birth of the African Union, many Africans expected many accelerated changes in their standard of living. Many believe that one of the ways that can be achieved is by the introduction of single passport for Africans by the African Union. There is no doubt that a single passport will facilitate an easier movement of people and goods and could help to retain African skills within Africa. Others argue that Africa is not ready for that as people from economically backward countries will flood those that are relatively stable. If Africans have to wait for others to catch up before implementing a single passport, What efforts are being made by the African Union to help them catch up? Tell us what you think about this whole issue.

 

ONE passport is the way into the ream of unity , I\'m sure that this will stabilize many things that had gone out of control in most countries in the continent example : the European union
Posted by: fred 2nd October 2008

Great idea. Not only should we be talking about a common passport, we ought to place some focus on the idea of a common economic community similar to the EU.
Posted by: Samuel Wornor 12th June 2008

Africa as a third world continent really needs an african passport, to promote trade among africans, i.e if africans consider themselves as among the global village then there is a need for migration which will enable us intergrate and share our cultural values.this will enable us boost our economical value because we have to belive in ourselves in order to appriciate ourselves before the international communities appreciates us.coming from the fact, that the continent has all it takes to build a continent. if possible have a common currency and a central bank.
Posted by: Anthony Mbama 27th November 2007

Introducing an African single passport is the only way and solution to accelerate economic emprovement and quick development in Africa. If we take a look at the USA today,we learn that immigrants of different national of the world are changing it\'s image at every single minute so far. And that\'s why USA is playing green-card game to foreigners. Then why would it be impossible for Africans in Africa if they\'re given an opportunity to be one,united and free to go do their on businesses around Africa where ever they want?! If African leaders really want good to their citizens,i don\'t think unifying Africa needs more than a year!I feel there is something wrong deep inside Africa\'s leaders intention that strongly avoid them to unite Africa.
Posted by: ajack coupelton 8th September 2007

A passport will really be another form of opression. I do not see the significance of us controlling movement in this continent. All the African children are supposed to have freedom of movement. We do not even need this colourful flags and boundaries that cost so much money to our continent. A one passport will be a short term solution and a longterm solution will be no boundaries at all.
Posted by: Sinethemba Mandyoli 14th June 2007

.Before jumping to the position that a common passport is not the most important issue, we need to see the outcomes of a common passport. Why is China courting Africa? As big as China is, their market is not enough and it is still seeking to expand the markets for her products. In Africa, our products and services are struggling to find some space in the global market place. We are not even competitive at the home (African) market because we are not allowed free movement in our continent since an average African is deemed a criminal. A common passport will strengthen the culture of democracy and the rule of the law as more people will become aware of what is going on in other countries and thus become more sophisticated in their way of thinking and thus making it impossible for dictatorship to take root.
Posted by: Hilary 13th November 2006

Well,I think Africans having passport is not really the big issue for now looking at the global trend.The most sinificant thing that should be our driving force,are how do we organise democracy in our own terms,build on the orbit of truth,justice and rule of law,without the mess we are in today?How do we do away with corruption,mal-administration and other factors militating against our development and growtht?How do we free our continnts from the political and economic domination of the developed world?And now even other Asian countries are courting Africa.These and many more questions needed our candid answers.
Posted by: Samuel Peter Aruwan 12th November 2006

no comments ,nothing to say automatically i agree to have african passport.understand my wish.....
Posted by: henry 10th November 2006

Dear comrades, There is no doubt that a unified african passport will facilitate easier movement of all our people and trade transactions but in other for this dream to materialise we all need to come together and form one solid pillar that can never be penetrated by external pressures. Comrades keep the flag flying for Afrika.
Posted by: Abdul Olatunji 19th July 2006

Im an african,Im an african and i know what is happening !!!Are you an african? do you know what is happening? I think these questions need to be asked and answered by every african as a first step to greater things.Otherwise I think we are all only learning.
Posted by: dohc 20th June 2006

It is a pity that many people do not know about Africa Day. Africans must know that Africa Day and the African Union Day are two important days that Pan Africanists can use and spread the message of unity and integration. We have a duty to educate our peoples wherever we are to know about this and do something for Africa on that day. FOR AFRICANS TO BE AFRICANS THEY MUST BE AFRICANS!!
Posted by: Hilary Ojukwu 1st June 2006

Dear brothers and sisters who believe in the renaissance of Africa and its people; who believe in the renaissance of Africa and those who emphatize [but not hypocrite emphatizers) of Africa and its people. This is Africa Day! Tomorrow is Africa Day! Next month is Africa Day! Next Year must be Africa Day! Africa and Africans and our friends of progress from other continents! This day is symbolic to make us deliberately conscious of who we are, what our common problems are, what our common solutions will be!!! This is not the day to grieve of what has happened in the past. But, this is the day to celebrate our Freedom in which we can leverage to better ourselves. This is not the day to address the fact that colonizers have benefitted and we should reverse the benefits to our side to the extent that they would lose the ground. This is the day to remind ourselves that we should be active and proactive to change the mind set up of our people to love and care each other and strengthen ourselves towards achieving political and socioeconomic freedom. It is then that we could create a level field to penetrate in the mainstream of socioeconomic development and political freedom of choice. This can only happen by not only discussing on this discussion forum, but we need to take action at individual level by taking practical measures and spread the word of mouth from where we are. If we see our neighbour suffering and keep quiet and behave as onlookers, we fail to better ourselves. BUT IF WE TAKE ACTION TO BETTER THE LIFE OF OUR NEIGHBOR, IT MEANS THAT THE ALMIGHTY HAS BLESSED US TO BETTER OUR SELVES AND BE ON THE FOREFRONT OF ALL THE BLESSINGS OF THE WORLD. My point is then, it is not the question of land and economic benefits that we should first prioritize in order to gain our economic freedom; Rather, it is the question of \"Mind revolution\" or rather \'cultural revolution\" - the revolution of fighting against ethnic chauvinism; tribalism; religious fundamentalism; Xenophobia, thereof against wars and conflict - that will bring about or create a conducive atmosphere for land ownership and economic liberty. At the end of the day, our mandate is not colour-based struggle but it is a struggle for Justice and Equality for all Human Beings in the world. May God Bless Africa, and the African Liberation Day be celebrated life long.
Posted by: Hermon Ogbamichael 25th May 2006

Comrades today we celebrating, Africa Day. I am reflecting on what this continent has gone though and is still going through, The Genocide, Salvery, Tribal wars, I mention but a few. Is maybe true that we were educated to feel inferior. Today is Africa day, but there are a lot of people who dont know of this day, and the significance thereof. I cry this day because its our continent but the white men has got hold of the economy, till when is what I ask??
Posted by: Olebogeng Modise 25th May 2006

Even though there are some implications, for example of allowing crime and drug smugling to run all over the continent owing to the fact that our borders offer no security at all, undoubtedly, the idea is a masterpiece and of course i give my blesing to its course.
Posted by: Dinis da Costa 14th May 2006

While joining Comrade Hermon in his frustrations with the so-called African Americans, I must urge us no to be quick in forgetting their historical antecedents. People in places all over Africa sold fellow Africans away and today we have the African Americans. Some of them may be bitter but it must also be said that things like jealosy, envy, suspicion, among others are common thing among Africans and these things have manifested themsleves in tribal chauvinism, xenophobia and religious fanaticism. So, if the African Americans are also xenophobic, we must then say that they are just behaving like their people in Africa. The special thing about an African passport is that it will help to break barriers that exist among Africans and will be a catalyst for unity.
Posted by: Hilary Ojukwu 13th May 2006

I do not think that it is correct for us to blame our inability to save ourselves on the Americans. While not saying that the Americans and others are free of blame for the continuous under-development of Africa (since some of the reasons Comrade Surprise quoted are valid), I still believe that what they are merely doing is natural as nature abhors a vacuum. If we cannot manage ourselves, other people will manage us. It is now time to wake up and take the bold decision and install a single passport for Africans. At that point, the whole world will awake with shock and PROCLAIM THAT AFRICANS ARE NOW HUMANS THAT DESERVE EQUAL TREATMENT IN EVERY SPHERE. So, I am saying that instead of running round the solution, our leaders must come out and embrace it and heal our wounds.
Posted by: Hilary Ojukwu 9th May 2006

By the way, regarding Afro-Americans, I strongly believe that they have contributed in making America popular in many ways. However, I am sceptical if they really care about Africa as I strongly feel that they are comfortable with the American Passport which takes them all over the world without any visa. So, in the history of the world, the peoples of Africa living in Africa have shown their empathy to Afro-Americans until this hour, but I do not feel that Afro-Americans have shown mutuality and reciprocity in that case. This is a controversial issue. But, there still exist some Afro-Americans who may be conscious of and have mutual interest with the African people. Therefore, eventhough I personally still have empathy with historical oppression in American history, I still believe that we should not include \'Afro-American\' staff as I feel that they affiliate to Americanness than Africanness. Our issue is purely African!!!Cul-de-Sac.
Posted by: Hermon Ogbamichael 9th May 2006

Dear Comrades, I first of all commend all the individuals whether AFrican or even from other continents of the world, to participate in such a constructive discussion towards the betterment of African people. It is true that colonialism and neo-colonialism has crippled our peoples in Africa. In deed, colonial masters have divided our people long time ago and the legacy still persists being still reinforced by the same very colonial masters in different forms. However, I still strongly believe that WE AFRICANS, especially our corrupted leaders are still be to receive the biggest blame for allowing such legacies to continue. Is it not our leaders who are assisting the super powers in destablizing their neighboring countries; Is it not our WARLORDS who assist the superpowers in the name of the so-called \"anti-terrorism campaign\"; Is it not our leaders who are jailing and conducting all kinds of persecutions on their national fellows; It is not our leaders who are affiliating and championing various forms of ethnic chauvinism and religious fundamentalism invigorating the legacy of divide and rule already championed by our colonial masters; Is it not our leaders who keep quiet while their African nationals are becoming victims of racism in some parts of our world such as in RUSSIAN and some parts of Europe etc etc etc. How can the so called \"African Union\" function properly while those leaders are the main actors in alliance with some cynical superpowers. In brief, my strong belief is that eventhough resources and blackmailing are used by superpowers in achieving their cynical objectives, our leaders have a very big role in maintaining peace and stability that will impact in realizing on African Unity. The realization of \"the next person is my AFRICAN FELLOW BROTHER/SISTER\" by our leaders will be the only REMEDY in this continent in achieving AFRICAN RENAISSANCE. May God Bless Africa!!! At the end of the day, the righteousness will prevail over the evil.
Posted by: Hermon Ogbamichael 9th May 2006

I would agree with Comrade Surprise, the West need to be held accountable for the hardships they caused our fellow brother during slavery. America was built on the sweat of our Africans,there is no denying that one.
Posted by: Olebogeng Modise 9th May 2006

Very sorry for not hearing from me.One have been dawn but now back for the betterment of our Africa.
Posted by: Samuel Peter Aruwan 5th May 2006

It is amazing how Africans put their various view on the issue of One Africa One Passport, the issue for which I fully support. I would like to take us a little aback in history in order for us as Africans can begin to exist independently from the western civilization. The west are the same people who took our brothers as slaves to America to go and build American to make America what it is today. It is the same Americans who exploit Africa and Africans through new forms of slavery, i.e. poverty through debt, war through financing positions which champions their interests, hunger by weaken us physically, corruption by putting us on capitalist globalised community, illiteracy forcing African states to privatize education and more gruesome acts of the West and their friends. It is on this note that I maintain that Africa should find solutions for its problems. It should have been the west that should come back to Africa and apologize and compensate for the exploitation that they have done to Africa, in the form of debt relieve, creation of employment throughout the continent, and more. I therefore charge the west for all exploitations on Africa and Africans. I therefore plead with every African and friends of Africa to Unite and make One Africa One Passport a possibility. Let us not be influenced or divided by the colonizers and slave masters by stopping us from realizing our goal. Let us independent from the west realize One Africa One Passport, let us from the positions where we find ourselves to be make a contribution towards realizing unity by the form of African Passport. Let us inform the ill informed; let us inform our fellow Africans of this possibility, let us begin doing something for the best interest of the mother continent. It is through this platform and various other platforms that we may create that we can be able to impact on this issue and other issues that are of concern to us as Africans. One Africa One Passport is a possibility that only need to be realized, we friends of Africa can help accomplish it.
Posted by: Surprise Ezekiel Motiba 21st April 2006

Dear Fellow-Africans, fist of all please accept my warmest greetings in the name of Mother Africa!!! Those of you who unfortunately think that an African Union Passport "would not work", "is not feasible", "has no significance", "is not good for Africa", all of you mainly citing problems such as corruption, different cultures, and so on... Please brothers and sisters, stop wasting your energies by focusing on "problems". Let's agree that it's important to highlight them as possible obstacles on the way to achieving the African Dream. And the African Dream is not just the African Union Passport. The African Dream is the end of war, hunger, corruption, misgovernment, abuse of human rights, racism, xenophobia, HIV/Aids, and all other evils that torment Africans on their own land every minute of everyday. How about using our energy towards looking for solutions to the problems that affect Africa and its peoples, such as supporting this campaign? And let\'s not stop here, for One Passport for Africans would not solve all of Africa\'s problems. Frontline Africa is using its energies to promote unity amongst Africans with this campaign. If you think it\'s a long shot in the dark, you should practice more optimism by believing that Africa can win ovrcome any problem including the ones above-mentioned. Allow me to educate you for a moment... or should I say allow me to refresh your memory (once again): We had much greater problems in the past, that I think, many of our ascendants did not believe could be overcome, such as: slavery, colonialism, apartheid... Yet they were all overcome. As a boy growing up in Angola, I used to doubt that war in my country would ever end. So I do understand when some brothers and/or sisters say that African problems are too great to end. Living the sad reality on your skin makes you think it will never end, but they can all be overcome. Much easier so if Africans are united in the fight for the achievement of the AFRICAN DREAM!!! VIVA AFRICA VIVA!!! VIVA FRONTLINE AFRICA VIVA!!! GOD BLESS AFRICA!!!
Posted by: Ghromo Ngongo 19th April 2006

Fellow Africans.As far as I am concerned we need to realise this dream all on own.We are not getting any assitance from the West all they ever do is set up commissions in Africa. After that we never see the end result of those commissions.So let us stand up on own two feet and do the best we can. So that we can all live to see the fruits of freedom, unlike those who fought but never got to reap what they sowed...Aluta Continua
Posted by: Olebogeng Modise 13th April 2006

Dear All, there are some questions presented in the discussion with regard to the time the One passport will be realized. I strongly believe that eventhough the time frame is part and parcel of the implementation of this Grand Plan, the core success depends upon the Cultural Revolution to changing the Mind set up of our people to believing the realization of One Passport One Africa. Therefore, if all Africans Unite, have similar mind set up and positive perception on this Grand Plan, there is no reason to delay to leapfrog to realizing the availability of One Passport for Africans. Therefore, the main focus will be on binding Agreement among Africans to have A Single Voice and attain the Vision!!! May the Almighty help Africans to realize the real dream.
Posted by: Hermon Ogbamichael 3rd April 2006

I have just read your vision on the One Africa One Passport. I am thirty years old, and never been outside South Africa (I am not proud)... so, your observations are equally true for me. One of the deterrent factors that has led to me never visiting neighbouring African countries has been the issue of passport.I do not have a passport, and the fear (to a large extent, ignorance) that if I visit Uganda, for example, I will be subjected to strenous and stringent customs regulations has not helped my course. If there can be one passport for Africa (irrespective of where I reside and where I intend to visit) I think we are more likely to see more and more Africans exploring the lnd of their Fathers.Thank you and good luck with the campaign. I trust that I will somehow get to see the copy of the book which is to be published on this issue.
Posted by: Thami Mbatha 31st March 2006

It is a very good idea, b/cose i am sure that it wil unite african\'s.
Posted by: jubril 29th March 2006

It is very good concept to have one African passport. But is it feasible? How long will it take to get there? What is the reality on the ground? Are we getting there? If not where are we and what steps need to be taken? Are some of the question needs to be address by my flow Africans. I don’t think it is that easy to have one passport near the future. There are some basic steps need to be taken. 1. We need to put a concrete foundation for one passport by have regional passport, such as Southern, Western, Northern and East African passport. 2. putting some crucial criteria for a country to become beneficiary of the single passport 3. By building very good communication net-work among African countries. Those are some of the stepping stones for one African union passport. I am 100% sure one day we will have one African passport but I don’t know how long it will take that historical day?
Posted by: DANIEL GHEBREAB 28th March 2006

To start with Dave,I really don't see reason in your not seeing anything good for Africa.We are people and must have goals and aspirations just like any other continents.Go and look at history and see how others started.EU started like a child play,today you know how strong and influencial they are in global politics.Please have another mindset.Then for my boss and senior fellow in the struggle talking about Hilary.I am not saying that AU passport has no significant but we should be interested in looking at our history and resolving them.Like I have been saying at different forum,Africa as a continent had a lot challenges,but with incapable and insincere hands to build it,If you study how the colonial administration established the our social order. You will know that. Our endemicsocio-political,economic,religious crises and corruption are rooted in that outcome. Our nationalists,politicians,soldiers,scholars and civil servants did not receive Western education, as an instrument for the development and liberation of our people, but as neo-colonial masters who further ruined, plundered and made bankrupt our societies and peoples, bereft of any common sense and wisdom. The tide of international politics and global economics, science and technology, is pitched all against our well being and survival as a continent, and no one can survive today in this global village without mastery of these,rather,our tide of destiny is heading us in the opposite direction towards our total collapse and ruin .Human nature is rife with all kinds of vices rooted in its sin nature. We have only been made to reveal our ugly nature, its moral decadence and indiscipline before the watching world. When you know these givens, you cannot expect more from our leaders, and spare yourself of not seeing law and order in our Africa. All these forces have conspired against us as a people .Now,we stand only in need of God’s redemption. How do we salvage ourselves and our future?As Africans we have to know our limits and how to liberate our Africa from the brink of evil forces.Now is the time to start the move towards building a better Africa.
Posted by: Samuel Peter Aruwan 26th March 2006

I think the big deal is with central african countries; to what I heard, it is possible for ouest african citizens to travel from one country to another one only with his country's id citizen card. Having an african passport will, for sure facilitate the communication between people and make it easier for African to love african countries. e.g I am from Congo DR, last time I traveled to Cotonou attending a seminar. From what I saw, when I receive training programs, my firt position is to go to an African country site than to any european or American country. This was not the same before I visit this African country. Although I had to pay us$75 to get the visas at the Benin Embassy in Kinshasa and $30 in Brazzaville for a transit visa. I am for the African Passeport. Why can not I move to and work in any African country. but since the north Africa and the south africa will not go for this idea (imagine the reason; no rich like to go with the poor in french we say \"l\'argent appele l\'argent - money calls money\") I think that the subsaharian countries can go first in this experience. Augustin L Aka
Posted by: AUGUSTIN L. AKA 24th March 2006

On the issue of "One Africa One Passport", I'dlike to say that it is possible and, Africa, as a mother, can only benefit from a project that brings its children together. While it's widely known that we have many obstacles standing against Africa's development within the Continent, such as: Armed conflicts (D.R.Congo...), Starvation (Sudan...), Non-existence of Basic Human Rights (Angola), to name but a few, as well as overseas very powerful people whose best interests are against Africa, such as Mark Thatcher & co., to name but one group, we must also acknowledge that we had far worse challenges in the past, namely, Slavery, Colonialism, (and more recently) Apartheid, and we managed to overcome them all, despite having been imposed by Europeans (and their descendants), so we can also overcome problems led by our own African Leaders, as Malcolm X would say, BY ALL MEANS NECESSARY!!! True African Leaders is the main ingredient to the African Unity that we WILL enjoy one day! And by True African Leaders I mean leaders who truely love the peoples of this beautiful mother continent. The likes of Kwame Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba, Agostinho Neto, Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki... Leaders who promote Peace, Unity, and Democracy. All those who might be opposed to this campaign shall be seen as our enemies against unity amongst Africans, therefore enemies of Africa! I salute Frontline Africa for this campaign! An African Union Passport could only be advantageous to our Mother Land, as it would bring us Africans together, allowing us to celebrate our rich cultural diversity, enhancing economic growth by freedom of movement of African traders within the continent, facilitating educational exchange programmes including African Languages, promoting the fight against xenophobia and so on. Let\'s all support One Africa One Passport! VIVA AFRICA!
Posted by: Ghromo Ngongo 24th March 2006

Samuel Peter, I agree! your ideas are good. Let me inform that we already have an African Parliament though they are still responsible to the Assembly as the Assembly is the highest policy making body. It will be good to have a PAP that can promulgate laws that are binding on member states and where those laws cannot be vetoed by the Head of States. Dear Peter, I want you to see the single passport not as an end in itself but as a means to the end. A catalyst we need to catapult Africa to the high heavens. Knowing that a single passport would promote easy movements, countries that are better developed will go for very high standards to ensure that their countries are not overrun by people from other parts of Africa. That untlimately will lead to a very strong AU that can easily promote good governance, battle religious fanaticism and fight corruption. When we have those things seriously happening rather than the lip-service we are getting now, we can start talking about re-writing our history.
Posted by: Hilary Ojukwu 23rd March 2006

We must congratulate Vuyo Mbuli for his courage and commitment to give time to this debate on his radio show, the Vuyo Mbuli Show, the Vuyo Mbuli Show on SAFM in South Africa. He is indeed a true son of Africa. The lively debate on this same issue of the African Union Passport attracted a national audience of approximately ten million. It is good to know that there are still some journalist that share our vision of a better tomorrow for Africans. The 30 minutes that we had was however insufficient to do justice to a debate of this nature. I will now attempt to react to some of the issues raised on that show. 1. One Charles, who claimed to be a Nigerian made an afro-pessimist declaration of opposition to an African Union passport. His reason is that should the AU introduce the passport that every Nigerian would pack up and move to South Africa. He claimed that Nigeria are shifting their problems to South Africa. My response to this is that while it is true that Nigeria are not doing enough to solve their problems with leaders constantly demonstrating their inability to provide effective leadership and corruption, political thuggery, ethnic chauvinism, and religious fundamentalism sordid realities, a single passport will bring with it a new reality for Africa. We will have a stronger AU that has more say in governance in Africa. In that situation, the African court of Justice will be given the powers to try and punish corrupt officials anywhere including Nigeria. In the new dispensation, the problems of religious fundamentalism and ethnic rivalry we see today in countries like Nigeria will be replaced with unity and togetherness. When we have all these things in place with the spread of resources and opportunities, Nigerians will have no reasons to want to leave their shores in search of greener pastures elsewhere. Those that would have to go to South Africa will be those that have the skills needed in South Africa just like the South Africans who have the skills needed in Nigeria would have to move to Nigeria. THERE WAS ANOTHER QUESTION AS TO WHETHER FRONTLINE AFRICA WAS NOT PUTTING THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE by not campaigning that African countries sort themselves out before the introduction of the single passport. When you look at those countries, you will see leaders who have been in offices for decades and others that want to die in office. Those leaders do not tolerate debate and those Africans who seek to raise questions are either killed or thrown into jail. At the end the victims are the people of those countries. How can those people challenge the illegalities of bad governance without bloodshed? Therefore, if we have to wait for countries to sort themselves out first we may wait for another two hundred years and by then Africa must have been completely damaged beyond repairs. THERE WAS ONE QUESTION FROM MY FRIEND MOHAMMED IN CAPE TOWN. He raised the issue of some Muslim countries like Egypt, morocco and others who may not want to fully integrate with Africa. What we want now is an Africa that upholds secularism and the AU itself is not a religious movement that wants to promote one religion over the other. In the new Africa we are building, religion will become a personal issue. No one will prevent anybody from worshipping God the way he wants. It will be good if those countries understand this, as a stronger AU will have no space for religious fanatics. If I am asked to choose between religion and a better future for Africa’s children, I will choose the second option and people must choose if they are Africans or not. Those that say they are Africans have the right to protect their future and I do not think that we have a lot of time to wait. THERE WAS A QUESTION FROM COMRADE BARRY ON THE RIGHTS OF THE MINORITIES IN THE NEW ARRANGEMENT. In any situation of justice, there will be no need to worry about your language or culture as the African Union we want is one built on the principle of Justice and equality. However, we cannot go back to our old habits of ethnic jingoism as that undermines fairness, merit and promotes mediocrity. LET ME SAY THAT A UNION PASSPORT IN ITSELF DOES NOT MEAN MUCH. WHAT WE WANT IS A UNION PASSPORT BASED ON SOLID ISSUES OF REAL DEVELOPMENT WHERE YOU SAY THAT FOR A COUNTRY TO BENEFIT, THAT COUNTRY WILL HAVE TO SATISFY SOME MINIMUM STANDARDS IN TERMS OF DEMOCRACY, DEVELOPMENT AMONG OTHERS. WHEN WE HAVE THAT, WE ARE BOUND TO SEE GREAT CHANGES TAKING PLACE IN AFRICA. OUR BROTHERS IN THE DIASPORA WILL THEN BE PROUD TO COME AND JOIN THE DEVELOPMENT WITH THEIR IMMENSE SKILLS. WHILE WE THANK VUYO MBULI FOR THE OPPORTUNITY, WE MUST CONTINUE THIS DEBATE AND CAMPAIGN TO MOVE AFRICA FORWARD ON THE PATH OF PROGRESS.
Posted by: Hilary Ojukwu 23rd March 2006

Like I was saying the other day.African problem is not African passport or so what we want is visions that will clear the path towards changing our mindsets.Let me share Fr Kukah\'s thought with you\"In the last ten or so years, western leaders have continued to make useful noises about wanting to help Africa come to the international table. However, these efforts are taking place against a backdrop of a convoluted international environment that is turning out to be far more hostile to the interests of the weak nations. There are still many who believe that the continent is a lost cause and there are many who continue to argue that because Africa has not been able to manage its aid well, the west itself has begun to experience donor fatigue. This paper is written in response to three questions posed by the Royal African Society. They are: Where could Africa be in the year 2015? How can Africa get there and thirdly, why has it not gotten there? It is possible to dispose of the last question by simply stating that Africa has not gotten there because that year has not arrived yet. But perhaps far more important should be the fact that there is an attempt to ask Africa to address its needs on its own terms. To address a few of the urgent issues, I will take a look at five main points that I think should occupy our minds. 1: Rethinking African History. Africa's situation will worsen as the rest of the world progresses unless Africa gets a proper grip on the historical origins of its present condition and learns some hard lessons. A poor reading of history has led Africa into thinking that something must be congenitally wrong with Africans or that the continent is cursed. To my mind, one of the greatest challenges is how to own our histories and experiences and create a broad based philosophy that recasts more forcefully the notions of Pan Africanism without the ideological rigidity. Thabo\'s Mbeki\'s African Rennaissance could be captured within the framework of the spirit of Festac 77 which brought together Africa\'s leading thinkers. 2: Democracy, Religion and Culture: Many western commentators still do not seem to understand the nature of the internal dynamics of the issues that are at play in Africa and its constant conflicts. A proper reading of the history of conflict in Africa shows that most of these issues are the unsettled problems of colonial rule and succeeding dictatorships that took hold of Africa. Sadly, most of these leaders were propped up and supported by western nations during the cold war. It is hoped that by 2015, the concepts and principles of democracy, freedom and human rights would have become entrenched in African culture. This will lead to the opening of the political space, further making it easier for citizens to build a much more broad based social, cultural consensus around shared values in their communities. So far, there are fears of future conflicts between Christians and Muslims. I do not see this happening on a long term in any serious scale. Apart from Nigeria, other countries enjoy relative peace and stability. There is a correlation between the persistence of violence in Africa and the struggle by western multi national corporations for the control of these resources. By the year 2015, democracy would hopefully have become part of the cultural behaviour of the elites in Africa. So far, there seems to be no going back on this project of democratisation. With a Rapid Deployment Force under the AU, the continent should have put military rule behind by it the year 2015. 3: African Union or Union of Africans? The transformation of the Organisation of African Unity to the African Union has shown no serious signs yet that African leaders are concerned about the welfare of their citizens. The attempt to photocopy the institutional frameworks of the European Union only at the level of establishing a bureaucracy holds little promise for changing Africa. By 2010, barriers to trade and travel should have come down completely and African people be free to move around the continent for legitimate business and trade. 4: Globalisation a threat or an Opportunity? To respond effectively to the challenges of globalization, the African Union should, as a matter of urgency establish an international Science University to engage in more serious issues of research and development. Such a University should have Faculties in all the regions of Africa while having its Headquarters in an appropriate country. This will enable Africans to embark on much more focused research that responds to the cultural needs of Africa, rather than the frustrating wild goose chase in the name of technology transfer. 5: A Diaspora Parliament? Africa should, by 2015 have created a special Representation in the African Union for Africans in the Diaspora. Such a body should enable Africans in the Diaspora to have two seats in the African Union. These two seats should take care of Africans in Europe and the Americas. In their own way, Africans in the Disapora should be able to have a Forum/Parliament of sorts with physical structures in Europe and the Americas. No matter how difficult it may look, these offices, manned by competent Africans from various academic and research institutions should help to focus on areas of collaboration that can facilitate development in Africa. This Forum can serve to as mediating institutions between the African Union and the G8, the European Union, EU, and the Organisation of American States, OAS. 6: After Mandela…. By 2015, there should be an African Parliament, an African Court of Justice and an African Currency. This common currency should replace all other currencies. It should be known as the Mandela. This will not only honour Africa's greatest citizen but it will serve as the moral and economic rallying force for African unity.
Posted by: Samuel Peter Aruwan 23rd March 2006

let me join hands on this journey of the realization of one continent one passport. A few years ago we were able to convince SADC members that it is really unnecessary to subject students of the continent to international tuition fees as if we did not understand the historic nature of colonialism. many of this prophet of doom ridiculed the discussion as not possible. the resultant effect of that is that we won battle thereby seeing the changes in fee structures in various institutions. the above seeks to demostrate that the battle towards african union passport can be achieved .the issue is not whether is right or wrong but to increase the momentum and to urge african union members to treat the matter as priority. the non gross mobolity of skills around the continent is largerly through the passport story. we must equally be prepared be able to to take the frontline in dispelling the myth by the media .
Posted by: godfrey gafane 22nd March 2006

Well,it is a good thing for Africa.But Africa is facing many challenges that goes beyond the issue of AU passport.I believe what Africa should think is how to get ride of poverty,mal-administration,corruption,wars of different kinds,lack of comprehensive democratic culture etc.Solutions to these problems will prepare a way towards a better Africa than the issue of passport.After all we should strive to define who we are?And what we want or what is good for us?Not to be following what others are doing.We must ensure that what we want goes inline with our root/culture.
Posted by: Samuel Peter Aruwan 20th March 2006

Well,it is a good thing for Africa.But Africa is facing many challenges that goes beyond the issue of AU passport.I believe what Africa should think is how to get ride of poverty,mal-administration,corruption,wars of different kinds,lack of comprehensive democratic culture et.Solutions to these problems will prepare a way towards a better Africa than the issue of passport.After all we should strive to define who are we?And what we want or what is good for us?Not to be following what others are doing.We must ensure that what we want goes inline with our root/culture.
Posted by: Samuel Peter Aruwan 20th March 2006

The question of African Union passport is an excellent and brilliant idea, but it is a step too far. Even here in Europe they did not single-handedly implemented it without ensuring control in their countries first. A small example, let's take Nigeria for instance as one of the giants of African countries. Although the country is rich enough to compare it with other countries in the world, there is no centralised ID-Cards for the citizens and computerized system worthy of reading this cards. This should be the first step to be taken for each and every African country, so that anybody can be easily identified in any situation wherever s/he goes within the country. However, this system too would not function if police are corrupt. It can only operate successfully through a centralised system of computer, where all the data of each and every citizen is saved, and individual data of each and everybody should be saved on his electronic ID-Card. This system of electronic ID-Card and priority of the law over favouritism would make it very much easier for the government to make projections on the future prospects of the country. If this system is fully in place, not only in Nigeria but also in African countries, then the implementation of African passport should be the next idea.
Posted by: Ismail Auwalu, Germany 17th March 2006

As the title of the song from Bob Marley says - AFRICA UNITE!! An African passport is a step towards a more unified Africa inspite of the issues of race, culture, nationhood, capitalism and economic welfare. Let the people begin to feel as one through this African Union Pasport!
Posted by: Dean Hapeta aka Te Kupu 17th March 2006

What valuable input by comrade Segun A. Hansen, and he really put one to ponder but why? The comrade put it that most African state suffer from mismanagement and all forms of malpractice, on that I agree, also on issues of “political instability, fragile economy, inadequate human resource capital, and the lack of political commitment to substantial invest in human and social infrastructure development”. But would it not be better if we had “One Passport One Africa”, we would then be able to exchange human resources capacities and technical capacities. We would groom and pick each other by the hand without being hindered access to our various African countries. I also believe that control mechanisms would be put in place to ensure access control. We would also trade freely. While I am aware that some states may tend to relax at the expense of others commitments to make the idea work, it would only work if it is done collectively as individuals countries and the continent. The idea needs a champion who will direct it, and also ensure that he/she carries the vision and the mission of “One Passport One Africa”. If we all shared common understanding of the idea it would not be difficult to implement but the problem is only when we still have leadership who want to fulfil their selfish interests. Mr Segun A. Hansen you are again right about the kind of leadership we have, but that does not stop us collectively as Africans to groom leaders of the future, who will better interests of Africans and Africa at heart. It is time that we should stop being pessimistic about this idea, we should now begin thinking about the progressive ways of implementing the idea. I am not hostile to your constructive, but I was just putting it that the idea needs commitment to work. Power to All African.
Posted by: Ezekiel Mothiba 16th March 2006

The sight of design of the proposed passport interests me. The idea is right. Africa is not ready for it because of the way things are going on the continent at the moment. The Free Movement Protocol on the spotlight for few years now, initiated by SADC stakeholders, a regional strategic policy document that may culminate to realization of practical benefit such as African union passport on the long term, failed to be endorse as yet by States; partly for human rights violations at unprecedented level, and they wouldn\'t have resources to implement recommendations contain in the proposal. Other authorities that operate distorted system of administration that maintain financial mismanagement do not help matters. The African Peer Review Mechanism is given a chance. I am looking forward to the evaluation report, universal yardstick practice on; good Governance, constitutional democracy, social justice, good corporate governance, transparency and accountability processes of managing state Affairs, more importantly provide insight to detailed qualitative impact government programme has on her citizens: there cannot be one passport in situation of huge political instability, fragile economy, inadequate human resource capital, and the lack of political commitment to substantial invest in human and social infrastructure development, which are crucial for continent economic growth. Many are confused about leadership shift from identity to ideological inclination. South Africa experiences provide leadership. Many systems continue to failed, need to stop and redirection is Unavoidable: failures we as a people must learn from. Strengths we must build on. Moving enemies we must search to destroy. Swift Revolutionary Transformation of the manner peoples affairs prudently managed. I am looking forward to Frontline Africa Ambitious Monthly Information Magazine Project. With Love Segun A. Hansen
Posted by: Segun A. Hansen 16th March 2006

Dear fellow Africans this is one of the best thing that we will achieve in this our continent by Using this African Union passport, it will help our unity and socializations which means we will no longer see our brothers as foreigners and that is unity, Americans have done it and Europeans have also done it so ours will not be a different case and I think that this will be the best thing African Union will ever achieve and by doing this we are already in the right direction, I hope that our leaders will work strongly towards this issue. Thanks to everyone LONG LIVE FRONTLINE LONG LIVE AFRICA
Posted by: Chiboy Chiemeli 15th March 2006

We have always been told that "Together we stand & Divided we fall". Ourselves as Africans need to wake up and stop falling into the same traps that our forefathers fell into by allowing themselves to be divided and ruled.So I think its about time that we Unite and Rule Because we can.Viva African Union Passport viva.
Posted by: Theo Raphala 15th March 2006

Having one passport would assist in making it easy to move in and out of different countries but the challenge would then be addressing the security in terms of the goods that would have access in and out of the same countries be it legal or illegal goods. Also the procedure that will be followed to apply and receiving the same passports as corruption many be a problem in this regard.
Posted by: kenneth sigudla 15th March 2006

Well it's very important for us to unify the grassroots as they will help to pressurise the leaders to agree. I fully agree with Comrade Ojukwu that if we believe that we can make it we will, but if we don't believe we won't be able to achieve it. we need to believe and fight to win. WE MUST HAVE FAITH. NO THOUGHT THAT APARTHEID WOULD END IN 1994, IT TOOK TIME BUT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED. SO SAME THING WILL HAPPEN, IT WILL TAKE SOMETIME BUT IF WE WORK HARD TOWARDS IT. IT WILL BE A REALITY... A LUTA CONTINUA...
Posted by: Dj Cavera C. 14th March 2006

I agree with Daniel that this is a very important topic worthy of debate and without delay, I will waste no time to disagree that a union passport is unnecessary. I understand that a lot of people would be terrified by the thought of a single passport. Some will say that Africa cannot cope with the intricacies of a project of that sort. The bane of Africa has been a lack of belief by Africans in themselves. We always fear that something is beyond us. When you tell some people that Ivory coast could reach the semi-final in the world cup, they tell you it is impossible. Why can we not think that we are as good as anyone anywhere. If we really desire a continental integration as stated in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, we must also be ready to go that extra mile and start to do things differently with the welfare of all Africans leading the way. I THINK WE CAN. I am really happy to see people like MISS WEST AFRICA HERSELF, MAY IKEORA NKIRU joining in this debate. After reading her beautiful contribution, I can only conclude that her beauty is indeed very deep. Thank you fellow Africans and friends of Africa.
Posted by: Hilary Ojukwu 14th March 2006

Currently i am visiting the U.K and observing the effects of the EU in person.I believe that the integration of Africans within the continent is vital however delicate and challenging because of the imbalance of the socio-economic state.There are plenty of issues to address with starvation,draught,and totalitarian government rulership running rampant within the continent.On the other hand,if Africans could come together and have access to the entire continent much progress would be made with our natural resource to boost the economies in aid of stability.We would of course need the correct government acting for the people and not for themselves alone as is currently the state.The people need to have more vote and choice within election.The heads of authority need to come down address the relevant issues as opposed to sitting in council all day with the priviledged making decisions based on their comfortability.We have a long way to go.Perhaps a middle way could be introduced to help bridge the gaps between African countries.Through Arts and cultural exchange for example.Providing the platform for young Africans to travel within the continent instead of Europe or America.We need to know more about our own people beyond local borders.How can we generate interest from our own for our own???But i believe the passport will eventually be a positive step forward.
Posted by: Monishia 14th March 2006

What a lovely idea, the thought of it alone is great. It could help reawaken in us 'Panafricanism',serve as a check wrong doings,put peer presure on the bad governance and help us understand the potential economic and negotiating power of our population size.Finally making us appreciate the premise of being our 'brothers keeper'. Good idea keep it going.
Posted by: OLU ALIAS 'OLO' 14th March 2006

This is a very important topic worthy of debate. For me i would say that the a unified africa passport is unneccessary. A passport indicates citizenship to a state, to have a state you must provide government, so what we are talking about is a unified african country, we could call it the Unified States of Africa, USA, sound familiar? Anyway it is way too expensive and complex an issue i doubt it will ever take off, even if it does it will take far too lond. What we need is improvement to the lives of children now, as so many lives are being lost daily. I didi not know that african countries require visas to travel within african states, if this is relaxed so that there is free travel between countries, it will have just as potent an effect as a unified passport, it will boost tourism and assimilation of available labour into various industries. Open borders while a good idea is not enough we need to follow that with consoildated industrialisation across the region ala NEPAD, so that we dont see a flock of people to only a few countries which will present its own problems. Thankyou.
Posted by: Daniel 14th March 2006

Reading Dave's comment it is understandable from where he is coming from. He is part and parcel of a society that is archaic in the world outlook. He is most probably of the South African society that lost their status as minority ruler and now has to stomach having to live and conform to an indigenous majority rule and there is nothing he can do but bad mouth an African initiative. He would most probably be of the first to apply. His claim as an African is based on settler white supremacist mentality. Forgive for he do not know what he is saying.
Posted by: Sulaiman Said 14th March 2006

It is a very good initiative. It might be looked upon as a small insignificant step, or even a futile exercise, it is extremely significant in the overall strategy of Africanism and to the ideals expressed by a number of academics and politicians for decades starting with Marcus Garvey\'s United States of Africa economic concept and the not so distant African Renaissance initiative. A number of distracters would submit arguments to prevent this initiative/step as the delaying of this would fit in perfect with their strategy of the continuation of a divided and xenophobic African continent based on race/ethnicity, skin pigmentation, geo-physics, language and religion. This proposal by the African Union, if accepted in principle or by a limited number of countries and only implemented on a small scale it would be a giant symbolic step towards the realising the African dream. The cost could be borne by the applicants of the various countries. I for one would apply and be prepared to volunteer by assist in this regard
Posted by: Sulaiman Said 14th March 2006

the question of having a single african passport is a simple one, or should i say should be a simple one.in the first place i think africans should be able to move freely within the continent and conduct business and other lawful activities sa they deem fit.but does that mean that countries should throw caution to the wind and let every tom, dick and morufu through its borders?a passport serves several functions;it is a reliable means of identity and secondly it allows the individual to travel across borders with the right travel document.it is a means of control which differs from country to country.this depends on the immigration rules in each country.now, whether having single african passport should be something left to debate.will this enhance integration?will it speed up trade and other transactions?my thoughts on this is that the idea of having an AU passport might be more cosmetic than far reaching.i think the AU needs to stop copying the west and look for our own solutions to the problems we have on our continent.unless we look inwards and solve our own problems ourselves having a single AU passport might end up a fiasco and its perceived ideals an el dorado
Posted by: ladi sanni 14th March 2006

i think some african countires are not ready which makes Africa not even ready. it would be nice to have african union passport for economic reasons but what happens when the giants of africa are the most corrupted? even the EU have their own problems but the good thing it that they still have a good amount of power over their member states. the economic community of west african state(ECOWAS) have invented the ECOWAS passport which has not circulated among member states. so when west africa, a small part of africa has not been fully united , how much more africa. i think our leaders in the african union should look into the situations in their differient member states, especially in the issue of corruption and governance and do something about it because sometimes some member states could set the others backward in their relationship with the foreign conutries. Or just like the EU the AU should make out a list of criteria for any country to become part of the single passport policy so that only the good eggs countries could be part of the policy whether big or small.
Posted by: MAY IKEORA NKIRU 14th March 2006

african union is a baby modelled after the EU.but sadly the african version is a case of lip service.Africans hate fellow africans;while europe adore fellow europeans.its very pathetic to see a situation where an african living in say south africa for 3-5 years will be nade to be afraid to head back to his real country, say Ghana for fear of not been granted visa back, so to put it succintly, i think africa needs like never before a single united passport like EU. long live the african dream late kwame nkruma once advocated
Posted by: MIKE OSAGIE PETERS 14th March 2006

I like this idea. Let us not worry about people like dave. Those kind of people are confused and cannot read the handwriting on the wall. I support.
Posted by: charles 14th March 2006

Firstly I got a question Dave are you an African? Africa will be united like no one thought that the Soviet Union would collapse. it might take time but one day we will come together, as brothers, cause of intercomunication between countries. AND I FULLY SUPPORT THE IDEA OF ONE PASSPORT, ONE AFRICA, ONE THOUGHT, ONE MINDSET...
Posted by: Dj Cavera C. 12th March 2006

Who is this Dave that even refused to show his email. They have arrived to intimidate us and tell us that we are subhuman. Dave is saying that while others are capable of unity, Africans are not capable of that. Comrades, instead of allowing people like Dave to come and tell us who we are, we must show them that we Africans can unite to the surprise of the DAVES of this world. They will like to blackmail and intimidate us but we must be strong and bring our campaign to the head. The struggle continues!!
Posted by: Hilary Ojukwu 11th March 2006

You guys must forget this issue. Africans cannot unite. This is my view. Thanks.
Posted by: Dave 11th March 2006

We support this idea and we are campaign for it.
Posted by: Mohammed, Frontline Africa Egypt 11th March 2006

We support this idea and we are campaign for it.
Posted by: Mohammed, Frontline Africa Egypt 11th March 2006

Where is the union in African Union when we still depend on the guys over here to take initiative for us? Maybe those African leaders are waiting for a greenlight from their masters before they even consider this bright idea. I will campaign over here for it. Keep it up Comrades.
Posted by: Okechukwu Mbachu, London 11th March 2006

Dear Comrades, it has been a lively discussion and we have had good insights into the need for the "One Africa, One Passport." Our next step: how should we proceed to construct a bridge towards the final Implementation of the sacred CONCEPT. In other words, how can we make it Practical or pave ways towards its practicality? Let's consolidate the concept!
Posted by: Hermon Ogbamichael 11th March 2006

Comrade Modise stated it well. As you have referred to Haileslassie's '1968' significant philosophy, we have to eradicate the social maladies that develop the sentiments of ethnic chauvinism. Madise, sorry to raise it, but our leaders [including Haileslassie himself] have been giving us lip service but practically the are part of the social maladies. Is it not true that our African leaders meet every year in the African Union Summit and preach for peace,stability, socio-economic development and the next day they laugh at what they have preached for. Are they really human beings who appear exactly as they are in the mirror? Even Haileslassie himself [a true HISTORY] promoted ethnicity [AMHARA ETHNIC GROUP CHAUVINISM] as a leader - none can challenge this true history but he was part of the "lip servicers." My central point is not about the Majesty, but what I am trying to say is that LET'S CHALLENGE OUR LEADERS SO THAT THEY STOP BECOMING HYPOCRITICAL PHILOSOPHIZERS. It is then that we can be mobilized and mobilize against all forms of ethnic chauvinism, tribalism, religious fundamentalism etc etc - all forms of racism. It is then that we can WORK OUR ON 'ONE AFRICA,ONE PASSPORT." I suggest that let 's discuss more and reach at a concrete campaigning programs and implement our main goal - 'one Africa, One Passport" .
Posted by: Hermon Ogbamichael 10th March 2006

Haile Selassie I said this in 1968 "That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned: That until there are no longer first-class and second class citizens of any nation; That until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes". The statement above is as much relevent now as it was then, we are far from achieving this we first need to deal with the Xenophobic behaviour of our fellow africans. In that then I believe we can start "One passport/One Africa". We've got to stop whining and stop begging. The Black race needs to wake up and stand on it's own two feet.We need to recognize and learn from others what it takes to succeed. We need to adopt the "devil-may-care" attitude and the "killer-instinct and whatever-it-takes attitude
Posted by: Olebogeng Modise 10th March 2006

Deal brothers/sisters, I am really impressed the fact that we have many intelligent and empathetic Africans who are compassionate about African Unity. I do agree with Ezekiel and Ojukwu that we need to unite as Africans to address a common problems towards a common solutions and destiny. Eventhough our problems differ from place to place, our problems are inherently the SAME. We all Africans are not travelling as freely as the Europeans, some Asians, Australians, and Americans do - what makes it worse is that we do not even have an opportunity for the freedom of movement and travel in our OWN CONTINENT while the other people from OTHER CONTINENTS do have the chance in the African Continent they do not belong to. If they can travel, WHY NOT US, WHY NOT US? A CALL TO ALL AFRICANS TO CAMPAIGN AND ACT NOW! Let's unite and lobby strongly for that as it is affecting us ALL. In deed, our politicians and some people are complaining about Illegal border crossing. They never asked why! The solution is to campaign and LEGALIZE "ONE AFRICA, ONE PASSPORT" for African people to live in Unity with rich diversity.
Posted by: Hermon Ogbamichael 9th March 2006

Africa is a big continent with lots of wealth.e.g. rich soils, the single passport will be able to assist us in rising our economy much more to unite us with our fellow africans. talking of africans i remember the slogan "United we stand, Divided we fall. I support.
Posted by: Major Cindi 9th March 2006

I completely agree with Comrade Ezekiel that unity is very important in Africa. Still I have one question for Ezekiel. How can people who do not know one another unite? We have Xenophobia all over the continent because our people do not travel. Only the few rich among them can afford air tickets to go anywhere they want. Over 85% of the population of Africa have not left their country of birth. So, I am saying that a single identity for Africans finding expression in a single passport and travel documents will go a long way in uniting our peoples.
Posted by: Hilary Ojukwu 9th March 2006

I think for the issue to be entertained the African people most especial black Africans should first begin to embrace each other before we can become a unit.We can not expect our leaders to engage discussions regarding this topic while we still fight and hate each other.Lets unite first as individual then we can unite as African Nations.Unity starts right here where we are!Power
Posted by: Ezekiel Mothiba 9th March 2006

Dear Ezekiel: I think that we do not need to wait and wait forever. I really understand that there are social, political, economic, environmental, technical etc etc challenges that we should consider to implement the concept or make it work for our peoples. Yet, we still have to work on it rather than waiting for convenient time. "Convenient times" have been the "buzz" phrase of our Leaders. By the way, should we not have a TIME FRAME for that and the fact is that "THE TIME IS NOW, WE SHOULD COMMENCE THE BIGGEST PROJECT NOW."
Posted by: Hermon Ogbamichael 8th March 2006

I strongly believe that the concept and practicability of "One Africa, One Passport" will promote peace, stability, and "African mutuality" between African peoples if it is well campaigned, thought out, and discussed on dialogical basis involving all the African peoples through various human channels. Therefore, I believe that Our Leaders along with the various government and non-government civic organizations and institutions should mobilize our societies to accept and appreciate the "One Africa, One Passport" concept so that - as any European and American citizen - can have the freedom of movement across the continent. Yet, We need to go beyond the material thinking and appreciate the social and political values that the "One Africa, One Passport" addresses. God Bless Africa and the African People and May God help Our Leaders to think properly and to the advantage of their societies.
Posted by: Hermon Ogbamichael 8th March 2006

I really think its a good idea, but the only limititations we have as Africans is not all Nations are on a equal footing.For this to be implemented correctly we would also need to have a common currency in Africa. We are far from achieving that objective, some of our african brothers and sisters are living in the most in-humane conditions a person can live. The reason being we have statesman who are only in it to fatten their pockets. They dont care about their fellow countrymen. We need correct this things first in order to achieve freedom of movement in Africa.
Posted by: Olebogeng 8th March 2006

Comrade Ezekiel, You can raise your voice and it will be heard loud and clear. The African Union is run as a democratic institution. They have offices for the different structures like NEPAD, THE COMMISSION AND NOW PAP. Those offices have email addresses, fax and telephone numbers. Moreover, there are leaders in this continent of Africa who favour a single passport for African Citizens. So, raise your voice!
Posted by: Hilary Ojukwu 8th March 2006

The question should not be wherether or not we should have a single passport, but the question is how do I raise my voice to the AU to ensure that my voice is heard too.It would be very unfortunate to say that we should wait until such time it is conviniet to everyone for that to be implemented. Countries would argue that they are not ready until such time it is convinient for them.
Posted by: Moraka Ezekiel 7th March 2006

Dear fellow Africans this is one of the best thing that we will achieve in this our continent by Using this African Union passport, it will our unity and socializations which means we will no longer see our brothers as foreigners and that is unity, Americans have done it and Europeans have also done it so ours will not be a different case and I think that this will be best African Union will ever achieve and by doing this we are already in the right direction, I hope that our leaders will work strongly towards this issue. Thanks to everyone
Posted by: Chiboy Chiemeli 1st March 2006

I think it is time for Africa to become one country because we share the same fate and face the same destiny. The African Union should provide us with African passport. This is the Time!
Posted by: Mohammed Ali Moala, Sudan 1st March 2006

I think it is a good idea. The African Union should implement it as soon as possible.
Posted by: Ismail Mahamed Zene, Chad 1st March 2006

Well, a single passport will help the continent to grow, cause the intercomunication between Africans will be bigger, and it will help to put our differences a side, and a single passport will have a huge economic impact in the continent economy cause, if you look at countries like D.R.C. the number of people qualified is big the job opportunities are too little, but with a single passport easily those people will move to other countries and get jobs.
Posted by: Dj Cavera C. 1st March 2006

A single Passport for Africans will help to make the integration of the continent easier. It will be easy for Africans to move within the continent. That sort of easy movement is needed in the current struggle to extricate Africa from the shackles of economic dependence.
Posted by: Hilary Ojukwu 28th February 2006