Ruto revives Pan-Africanism with push to abolish visa restrictions
The StandardOct 31, 2023
The Facts
At a climate conference in the Republic of Congo last week, Kenya's Pres. William Ruto announced that Nairobi will abolish visa requirements for all African nationals starting next year to facilitate the implementation of the continental free trade area.
Recalling that commercial activities between the East African Community had soared after removing visa requirements and tariffs, Ruto described the move as critical to boosting bilateral trade, saying current limitations obstruct local businesses and regional growth.
The Spin
Narrative A
The decision to remove visa requirements for fellow Africans willing to visit Kenya demonstrates that Ruto is committed to reinvigorating the Pan-African movement after decades. A visa-free Africa, in which borders are turned into bridges, will help promote trade and investment in the continent.
Narrative B
One can't be deceived by the seams when it comes to William Ruto and his alleged pan-African agenda. After all, this move is just the latest in a political career that has been built on appealing to that sentiment to defraud the nation and meddle across the continent to advance Western interests in Africa.
Nerd narrative
There's a 5% chance that at least three countries will ratify an agreement to form the East African Federation before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.