Pan-African Unity Gains Momentum as Traoré Calls for Continental Integration

By Lezen Barnaba

Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, is spearheading a significant push for African unity by calling for the removal of visa restrictions across the continent.

He has urged the African Union (AU) Chairman, Moussa Faki Mahamat, to take bold steps towards introducing visa-free travel for all Africans.

Traoré argues that the colonial-era borders that currently divide Africa hinder economic growth and weaken the continent’s potential for development.

In a speech delivered in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, Traoré emphasized the need for Africa to break away from its colonial past. “We cannot continue to live in borders that were drawn by colonialists.

“We cannot continue to live in borders that were drawn by colonialists. These restrictions only divide us and weaken our economies. It is time for Africa to belong to Africans,” said Traoré during a speech in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso.

These restrictions only divide us and weaken our economies. It is time for Africa to belong to Africans,” he stated. Traoré believes that free movement of people, goods, and services will enhance trade and investment among African nations, leveraging the continent’s vast resources for sustainable growth.

To garner support for his vision, Traoré has reached out to several influential African leaders.

These include Mali’s President Assimi Goïta, a close ally who also advocates for African independence from Western influence; Guinea’s President Mamadi Doumbouya, who has been promoting stronger cooperation between African nations.

Senegal’s newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has pledged reforms and better African partnerships; South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose country already allows visa-free travel for many African nations and could support expanding it further; and Kenya’s President William Ruto, who has recently spoken about Pan-Africanism and strengthening trade within the continent.

In addition to advocating for visa-free travel, Traoré has announced the launch of Afro Airline, a budget carrier designed to make intra-African travel more affordable and accessible. The airline aims to offer direct flights between African capitals, addressing the long-standing issue of expensive and limited flight options.

Currently, many African travelers are forced to transit through Europe before reaching another African country, making trips longer and costlier. Afro Airline seeks to bridge this gap and connect Africans like never before.

“Our people deserve better. Traveling from one African country to another should not be expensive or difficult. Afro Airline will bridge this gap and connect Africans like never before,” Traoré emphasized.

While Traoré’s initiatives have been praised by many, some leaders have expressed concerns about potential security risks and economic disparities.

They argue that free movement could lead to illegal migration, with people from poorer countries moving to wealthier ones in large numbers.

Despite these challenges, Traoré’s efforts have sparked widespread interest and support, particularly among the youth, who see him as a symbol of bold and decisive leadership.

On social media, many Africans have praised Traoré, calling him a “fearless leader” who is truly fighting for Africa’s future.

His vision has set the stage for a major Pan-African transformation, but its success depends on the support of other African leaders and the African Union.