African diplomatic passport to be launched in May

Feb 3, 2007 (ADDIS ABABA) — Africa will in May launch a continental diplomatic passport to be issued to heads of state and government, ministers, ambassadors and leaders of African institutions, it was learned on Saturday.

The symbolic launch of the African diplomatic passport by the African Union (AU) Commission will be the highlight of African Liberation Day celebrations in Ethiopia on May 25, said an AU official, who declined to be named.

Under the current arrangement, heads of state and government, ministers and leaders of major institutions need visas to enter most African countries, except in cases where both countries have signed reciprocal visa exemption agreements.

The African diplomatic passport has been on the cards for the past two years and is viewed as a first step towards accelerating the free movement of persons, goods and services on the continent.

(Xinhua)