African Union to release a uniform passport for all African citizens

In a bid to facilitate visa-free movement across on the continent, the African Union (AU) has revealed plans to release a passport for all African countries.

The chairman of the Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, announced that the AU passport is actively in the works.

In a press release, he revealed that details concerning the design, production, and issue of the passport will be presented at the 32nd African Union Summit in February.

He said that the Union desires Free Movement on the country, adding that the move for the borderless Africa is crucial for the development of the continent and the fulfillment of its people’s aspiration to well-being.

Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Louise Mushikiwabo posited that a common passport could be a solution in disbanding all barriers halting intra-African trade.

He said heads of state and African diplomats will first have the passports which will later be distributed to all African citizens.

Also, once the passport has been launched, each country will reserve the right to issue them according to their national regulations, said the minister.