By Emmanuel Nduka
The Africans Rising Movement (ARM) has denounced “mental and physical” borders left behind by years of colonial exploitation, and has urged African heads of state to commit to institutionalizing Visa-free movement across the continent to boost economic advancement.
In an 11-point Communique issued in the Zambian capital city of Lusaka on May 24 at the Borderless Africa Convening, the ARM expressed worry that these restrictions which are relics of colonial exploitation, has continued to cause division among Africans, and has impeded growth.
The pan-African movement noted that the deliberate divide-and-rule tactics of colonialists has destroyed economic opportunities for young people in Africa.
The ARM charged the government of Zambia led by President Hakainde Hichilema, to “take the next logical step” in ratifying the “Protocol on Free Movement of Persons”, and remove all Visa requirements for Africans willing to travel Zambia.
“Through the leadership provided by the government of Zambia, we call on all African governments to operationalize and universalize free movement for intra-African travel and trade by ratifying and implementing the Protocol of Free Movement of Persons.
“We assert our oneness as a people. We no longer want to be identified by, or to live in the confines of these divisions, which were created purposefully to divide and conquer us.
“True to their purpose, these borders and the divisions have hampered trade among ourselves as Africans both home and in the diaspora, curtailed cultural harmony, arrested our development, limited educational opportunities, job creation and overall prosperity while leading to great losses of our young, energetic and creative people,” the ARM charged.
While maintaining that this is the only sure path to mutual prosperity in Africa, the ARM expressed commitment to collaborate with governments, civil society groups and the private sector to realize the dream of building an economically prosperous Africa.
Heritage Times HT reports that the Africans Rising Movement are the Recipient of the African Advancement Award for Social Justice and Advocacy. The Award was conferred on the ARM at the second edition of the African Heritage Awards held on April 13, 2024 in Lagos, Nigeria.
