By Edward Acquah
Accra, April 14, GNA – African social movements dedicated to the unification of Africa have called for the implementation of policies supporting free movement and continental integration.
The movements said the creation of a borderless Africa would remove trade barriers, facilitate the free flow of goods and services, and enable the free movement of people across the continent.
They made the call at the opening of the 3rd African Social Movements Baraza (conference) in Accra on Monday.
The three-day event assembled leaders and members of social movements from across Africa to foster solidarity, collaboration, and joint actions and strengthen the African social movements network.
The event, organised by the TrustAfrica in partnership with Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), also identified common challenges and explored collective solutions.
Among the topics discussed by the participants included movement organising strategies, funding approaches, and building solidarity to address the pressing issues.
African social movements are grassroots organisations and collective actions that aim to promote social justice, human rights, and community development in Africa.
Mr Ebrima Sall, the Executive Director of TrustAfrica, told journalists that it was difficult for Africans to travel within Africa, undermining the free flow of goods and people.
He called for the implementation of policies and agreements that would make mobility possible for purposes of work, study, and living conditions.
“We should make it easy for Africans to connect with other Africans across the continent. Even if you have to ask for a visa, make it easy for people to be able to obtain a visa when they come on.” Mr Sall said.
He also appealed to governments to listen to the messages delivered by social movements, support their work, and be more engaging to help find solutions to issues that affected the welfare of the people.
Madam Vera Abena Addo, Programmes Officer at CDD-Ghana, said social movements played significant roles in promoting good governance and democracy and thus the need to support their survival.
She called for more collaboration between social movements and think tanks to advocate for better conditions for the people of Africa among other political, social, and economic interventions.
“It is important that organisations like CDD, which is well established and has been doing this work for some time, needs to work with social movements.” Madam Addo said.
GNA
SOF