CEMAC : Free Movement effective
It is henceforth done with. The free movement of persons and goods in the whole of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) is now official. Equatorial Guinea has eliminated the last obstacle. In fact, in compliance with the agreement signed in 2013 on free movement in Central Africa, the country has ratified the abolishment of visas for the nationals of CEMAC member countries.
According to a circular jointly signed by Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, Clemente ENGONGA ONGUENE, and the Minister of State for National Security, Nicolas OBAMA NCHAMA, this abolishment is applicable to all nationals of CEMAC member States who are holders of a valid biometric passport.
The present decision which was highly awaited, follows those of the Republic of Congo (23 October 2017) and the Republic of Gabon (Order and decision respectively dated 6 and 19 October 2017). This is thus a step forward in the willingness to make sub-regional integration effective. «Chad, CAR and Gabon have decided to implement the provisions of the addendum of 2013 by which our Heads of States decided to make free movement of persons and goods effective in the CEMAC area. But each country took time to thoroughly consider this provision before making any pronouncements and we are delighted that sister countries to Cameroon have taken such an important decision», Lejeune MBELLA MBELLA, Minister of External relations (Minrex) declared. Consequently, there will no longer be a visa issue among CEMAC member countries.
For those who are expecting a similar decision from Cameroon, Olivier KENHAGO TAZO, Sub-Director for Central Africa in the Ministry of External Relations, clearly stated that: «Cameroon was the first country to ratify free movement in the sub-region. But its decision had been made subject to reciprocity. Thus, since the other countries have now opened up for free movement, it is automatic for Cameroon».
(Source/ Cameroon Tribune N 11461 of 27 October 2017)