Preconditions for integration from SA

AU PROTOCOL: WHAT’S STANDING IN ITS WAY?

AU protocol on the free movement of Africans hits snags.

The African integration project took several major steps this year. One of them was the African Union’s (AU) adoption of a protocol on the free movement of people, which has been widely welcomed. The free movement of Africans between African countries could unquestionably facilitate growth. Freer movement would encourage trade, tourism and investment between these countries. It would allow students to study in other African countries and Africans with suitable skills to find rewarding jobs.

Seychelles, Mauritius and Rwanda have liberalised their visa requirements. One effect is that there’s been a significant rise in tourist arrivals from other African countries. And the removal of visa and passport requirements within regional trading blocs in East and West Africa are believed to have led to increased economic activity.

But there are major obstacles that need to be cleared. The biggest is posed by concerns raised by major economies, like South Africa and countries in North Africa, where unemployment rates are high and there are fears more immigration could increase domestic tensions. There are also concerns that, if not well managed, free movement could worsen the brain drain from poorer countries.

Because of these concerns, only 30 countries signed the protocol – much lower than the 44 that signed the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. The AU recognises the lack of readiness of many domestic and continental arrangements that would allow the full implementation of the protocol.

Some countries have population registration and passport systems that lack integrity, some have weak border management. Because of this, implementation has been divided into three phases: right of entry and abolition of visa requirements; right of residence; and right of establishment (which includes investment).

But many nations are reluctant to enter phase one without some conditions being met. The key concerns are the absence of inter-state cooperation measures on immigration procedures, border management, education systems and mutual recognition of qualifications.

SA, in particular, has issues. A Department of Home Affairs memo cites 12 preconditions for implementing the protocol. About half seem reasonable. They include civil registration systems and bilateral return agreements. SA is one of the few African countries that has a comprehensive ID system.

Home Affairs’ stance is very cautious. It advises against even adopting phase 1 until certain conditions are met. It is imperative, it argues, to improve population registration systems, establish integrated border management systems, enter into bilateral return agreements and strengthen law enforcement at national level across Africa before phase 1 is supported.

It’s unlikely there will be progress until the fears are addressed. So, how can the AU get the laggards on board? One suggestion is to set up a technical committee to address the issues and come up with proposed solutions.

Alan Hirsch is a professor and director of The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town.