AU launches African passport

The African Union (AU) has today launched the African passport, a development aimed at enhancing African integration through the free movement of people and quick delivery of goods and services on the continent.

Outgoing AU Commission Chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dhlamini Zuma handed over the documents to delegates during the opening session of the 27th AU Summit underway in Kigali, Rwanda.

The first copy of the passport went to the current AU Chairperson, President Idriss Deby of Chad followed by host and Rwandan president, Mr Paul Kagame.

"This is a step forward in the realisation of Africa's movement towards the dream Agenda 2063," said Dr Dhlamini Zuma before outlining the progress that the AU has made in realising integration and hurdles that still stand in Africa's path.

She however expressed hoped that the dreams are achievable

In his welcoming address at the occasion, President Kagame stressed the need for unity of purpose in the movement towards Africa's integration and industrialisation.

In his opening address, President Deby saluted African heads of state and government for taking bold steps towards weaning Africa from donor dependency by devising its own ways to finance its activities.

He suggested that a fund be set up to fight terrorism.

On the conflict in South Sudan, President Deby implored the warring rivals in that country, Riek Machar and President Salvar Kiir to follow the path of peaceful solution to their differences.

The summit is being held under the theme: '2016 - The Year of African Human Rights,' with particular emphasis on women's rights.