President William Ruto of Kenya stands as a resolute and passionate advocate for African empowerment both within and beyond the continent’s borders. With an unwavering commitment to the concept of a borderless Africa, Ruto has spearheaded a movement for unrestricted travel and business opportunities across the continent, envisioning a unified Africa where visa restrictions are a thing of the past. This profound vision of a united Africa echoes the aspirations of earlier Pan-African pioneers like Kwame Nkrumah, Thomas Isidore Noel Sankara, Patrice Lumumba and many others, whose dreams for a cohesive Africa have now found renewed fervour and interest.
In a powerful address to the heads of state summit in Congo Brazzaville, President Ruto articulated, “Our children should not be confined by borders, whether in Europe or within our own continent.” He emphasized that visa restrictions impede African trade and can potentially undermine the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). His fervent plea for a reduction in customs tariffs across Africa is seen as a vital step toward expediting the realization of a robust continental Free Trade Area.
Kenya has taken a groundbreaking step forward by initiating the process of eliminating visas for several African countries, including Congo Brazzaville. President Ruto highlighted that this bold decision has already facilitated a significant increase in intra-trade within the East African community, with trade figures surging to an impressive 27% due to the deliberate removal of unnecessary tariffs and visa regulations.
The academic community has also actively engaged in discussions surrounding Kenya’s progressive open-door policy. President Ruto’s pan-Africanist approach, coupled with his unwavering focus on bolstering the economy, aligns seamlessly with the overarching objectives of the AfCFTA. Notably, Kenya aims to eliminate visas for all African countries by the end of 2023, a landmark move that symbolizes the nation’s unwavering dedication to fostering continental unity and collaboration.
In a similar vein, Ghana has also made significant strides, granting free citizenship to African Americans. In a recent speech delivered in the United States, President Ruto announced Kenya’s decision to provide visa-free access to Black Americans, underscoring the principle that everyone should feel welcomed in their ancestral homeland without facing the barrier of visa requirements. This bold initiative has garnered widespread acclaim and has significantly boosted Kenya’s tourism sector, drawing in a substantial influx of visitors and investors alike.
Beyond Kenya, another resounding voice advocating for a borderless Africa is that of Julius Malema, the pan-Africanist leader of South Africa’s EFF opposition political party. Despite facing resistance within his own country, Malema staunchly champions the elimination of colonial-era borders, recognizing their hindering impact on the economic emancipation of Africans. His impassioned advocacy has garnered a strong following from like-minded individuals and forward-thinking Africans who share his unwavering commitment to a united Africa.
Amidst these progressive strides, the critical issues of peace and security remain paramount. President Ruto has vehemently criticized the United Nations for its selective approach to conflicts, highlighting its geographical biases and interventionist tendencies. He adamantly asserts that a truly global institution should not engage in such partial representation of security and peace, particularly when it habitually excludes Africa.
This condemnation underscores the imperative need for African leaders to collaborate and discuss African affairs within the continent, setting the stage for a more inclusive and effective decision-making process. Ruto is not the first one to question the characteristics of the EU, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, former president of Zimbabwe was known for notoriously clashing with EU representatives highlighting inequalities when it comes to the treatment of Africa by the organisation which claims to represent its member states.
The remarkable efforts of leaders such as President Ruto of Kenya, Julius Malema of South Africa, and P.O.L Lumumba of Kenya are pivotal in paving the way for a united and prosperous Africa. Their unwavering dedication to realizing the vision of a borderless continent is poised to usher in a transformative era, promising a brighter future for generations to come. With the unwavering spirit of unity and collaboration, Africa stands poised to transcend its historical constraints and embrace a new era of unparalleled growth and development.
