Editor's Review

“We are currently having a national conversation whether any African needs a visa at all, forget one at the airport."

President William Ruto has maintained that the removal of visa requirements among African states will promote the free flow of people and trade in the continent.

Speaking on Thursday August 10 in Mozambique, the Head of State said African countries are having a conversation on having a visa free continent.

He noted that the decision on visa requirements will be made by the end of the year.

“We are currently having a national conversation whether any African needs a visa at all, forget one at the airport. And by the end of this year, we will have made a decision because we share history, culture, and destiny.

"It is our place to begin to imagine a continent of brothers and sisters that does not have the limitations of barriers and boundaries that impedes the movement of people or goods,” Ruto stated.

File image of President William Ruto with Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi

President Ruto argued that even the European nations that colonized African countries have done away with visa requirements in their continent.

“Visa requirements, which were introduced by our friends, who created boundaries for us have abandoned it in their current locations. Surprisingly, the European Union (EU) has a single visa among its 27 member countries.

“But imagine the people who created boundaries for us to have visa requirements, have abandoned the process in their home countries, simply because it has no meaning anymore. So, why should we continue implementing it?” he posed.