Africa Union has finally launched his 1-passport campaign for Africans to allow for integration of Africans in its own continent. The passport was launched at the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.
Dr Dlamini Zuma, AU Commission’s Chairperson, presented the passport to President Idriss Deby of Chad and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, chairperson of the union.
Addressing the union, Zuma said;
We see hope in the resilience of our people and the strides of countries towards eradicating poverty and transforming our economies.
We see hope in the ever-changing landscapes of our cities and towns, as we steadily build roads, increase access to energy, ICT, water and sanitation and build schools, clinics and sports fields.
We have hope, because the continent’s political and business leadership are preparing to act to make African industrialisation a reality in our lifetime, so that our people benefit from their natural and mineral resources.
As AU we have made the pledge not to bequeath violent conflicts, wars and genocide to future generations of Africans.
That pledge demands our attention.
Zuma said that the purpose of the passport would only be achieved where peace and security reigns.
The passport will also help to facilitate free movement of persons, goods and services around the continent – in order to foster intra-Africa trade, integration and socio-economic development. The passport are currently issued to Heads of States and diplomats and is believed to have high security features