In commemoration of Africa Liberation Day, Africans Rising Movement has led large-scale marches across the continent to advance the idea of Borderless Africa.
The massive march concluded a three day hybrid conference – the Borderless African Convening, which began on May 23 and 25, 2024 in Lusaka, Zambia as a continental call for free movement of Africans in Africa, one currency, and one passport, according to the statement released by the movement.
The three days conference had primarily featured discussions and strategies pertaining to the ratification and enforcement of the AU Protocol on the Free Movement of People, the advantages of abolishing visas in Africa.
Lagos Tourism Ambassador, Pelumi Nubi, who took part in the campaign, stepped into the role of an activist and spoke out on the changes the continent desperately needs in respect to borders.
The female solo traveller from London to Lagos by car, had stated that she had “faced traumatic experiences at African borders-barriers put up by colonists that still prevent our movement.
“These lines, meant to divide and control, now stifle our tourism, and our trade. How is that an African faces more travel restrictions within their own continent than a foreigner?” she asked.
She added that these are vital questions that must be addressed and that we cannot remain silent while our freedom is curtailed by outdated divisions.
As a result of the All-African Movements Assembly (AAMA), which brought together over 600 members of Africans Rising—Pan-African social movements, activists, human rights defenders, advocates, and important stakeholders from 55 countries across the continent and the diaspora—in Arusha, Tanzania from August 29–31, 2022, the Borderless Africa – Free Movement Campaign was born.
The initiative aims to create an Africa free from the limitations that currently impede Africans’ freedom of movement within the continent. for improved development, integration, and trade.
