Towards a Continental Protocol on Free Movement of Persons in Africa

The creation of an African Economic Community can only be realised if Africa's I billion people move freely within the continent, do business and carry out inter-state trade. Sadly, though, Africans are still locked up in 55 boundaries of states under strict immigration and customs policies. Cross-border traders have had to contend with extortion and heavy bribes to carry out trade between Africa's states. The African Union (AU) has kick-started the process of adopting a Continental Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment. However, amidst security concerns by states, vested national interests of various actors, and the fears of the effects of 1 billion people moving freely and doing business within the continent, the African Union faces insurmountable challenges in getting the protocol adopted by states. What exactly are the challenges they face? What lessons can they draw from Regional Economic Communities (RECs) which have implemented protocols on free movement? This book answers these important questions