Despite 32 member countries of the African Union (AU) signing the Free Movement of Persons Protocol, little has been done to put it into action. New South Institute research fellow and academic Alan Hirsch unpacked the hesitancy from African states to make this happen.

Many African countries have reformed their approach to migration from other African countries. Many have lowered their restrictions to entry by removing visa requirements and even passport requirements in some cases.  

It’s very tempting for governments to blame foreigners on their own failings

Alan Hirsch

But there’s still quite a high level of inequality both within and between some countries which inhibits a blanket approach to liberalisation. Only 4 have ratified the AU treaty. According to Hirsch, it needs at least 15 ratifications.

He was speaking in an interview on Channel Africa, on Tuesday, 23 May, ahead of Africa Day where he discussed the African Union’s Free Movement of Persons Protocol. The discussion probed the question whether there should be free movement of Africans around the borders in the continent and why some countries are afraid of removing restrictions?

“It’s very tempting for governments to blame foreigners on their own failings”, Alan Hirsch