Amnesty International has hailed as “a step in the right direction” Friday’s agreement between Botswana and Namibia under which the southern African neighbours scrapped the need for passports for their respective citizens wishing to travel to the other country.
Botswana and Namibia on Friday signed a memorandum of agreement to allow the use of national identity cards as travel documents between the two countries.
Amnesty International regional director for southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah said the agreement, the first of its kind in the region, should serve as a model to other countries to enable free movement of persons across borders.
“In a region where irregular migrants have repeatedly been criminalized, this accord will not only reduce barriers to migration but also increase trade, offering a much-needed economic boost to each country and their people,” Chagutah said.
He described the agreement as “a much-needed development for informal cross-border traders, especially women.”
“This would hopefully facilitate their work which is crucial in alleviating poverty and food security in these countries.”
He called on other Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to follow suit and commit to allowing free movement of people.
“Allowing the free movement of people, goods and services between states in the region is essential for boosting trade and offering greater access to job opportunities. By encouraging greater integration through free movement, the SADC can help to address poverty and inequality by providing greater economic and social mobility to its citizens,” he said.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi said the use of national identity documents to cross national borders was “a clear demonstration of the two countries’ steadfast commitment to promote relations and foster social cohesion among the citizens, as well as enhance regional cooperation and integration.”
He said the initiative was aimed at easing the movement of both citizens and strengthen trade between the two countries.
Geingob said it was critical to facilitate effective and uncomplicated means of travel between the communities of the two countries as they speak the same language and share a common culture.
Under the agreement, citizens of either country holding valid national identity cards may enter and stay in the other country for a period not exceeding 30 days at any given time, but not exceeding 90 days a year.
The initiative, which is being piloted at Mamuno Border Post, is expected to be replicated other land entry points such as Kasane Immigration Office, Mohembo, Ngoma and Dobe border posts.
JN/APA