The visa is often seen as an obstacle in international travel, limiting citizens’ freedom of movement. However, progress is being made in some regions of the world to facilitate the movement of people. This is particularly the case in East Africa, where Kenya and Tanzania recently lifted visa requirements for citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The move is part of the East African Community Common Market Protocol, which aims to promote the free movement of people and workers within the region. EAC Secretary-General Dr Peter Mathuki welcomed the move, stressing that it will promote trade and improve the well-being of EAC citizens.
However, Uganda still maintains visa requirements for Congolese, raising questions. Several reasons can explain this cautious position. First, security concerns. Eastern DRC is a volatile region controlled by armed groups, and Uganda fears that lifting visas could facilitate uncontrolled cross-border movements.
Then, migratory pressure. Uganda already hosts large numbers of Congolese migrants, and easing access could lead to an additional influx, requiring additional investment in public services.
Finally, Uganda can use the visa issue as leverage in regional negotiations. By maintaining this requirement, it can seek concessions from the DRC and other EAC states in exchange for a possible lifting of visa requirements.
However, to realize the ambitions of a genuine East African common market, it is essential that all EAC member states commit to facilitating free movement. Reciprocity on freedom of movement is a key element of regional integration. Uganda could therefore end up following in the footsteps of Kenya and Tanzania in the near future.
In conclusion, the lifting of the visa requirement for DRC citizens by Kenya and Tanzania is a significant step forward towards the free movement of people in East Africa. However, Uganda still maintains visa requirements, mainly for security reasons and migration pressure. To achieve regional integration, it will be essential that all EAC countries commit to facilitating free movement.