Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has spoken out against visa restrictions imposed by some African countries on fellow Africans, saying such policies hinder the continent's efforts to promote unity, integration, and economic cooperation. He made these comments at the ongoing Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) 2026 in Lagos, sponsored by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union. Obasanjo argued that it is contradictory for African leaders to advocate for a united continent while introducing barriers that limit the movement of Africans across national borders.
Obasanjo also called for stronger connections among Africans on the continent and in the diaspora, stressing the need to make movement across the continent easier. He had previously advocated for the introduction of visas-on-arrival or a common visa for African countries, arguing that Africans seeking to trade within the continent should not have to obtain several visas. According to Obasanjo, Africa and its people share a common history and interests, and divisions created by greed and other interests should not prevent them from working together for collective prosperity.
The discussion was linked to the book, Lest We Forget: Slavery, Slave Trade, Colonisation, Emancipation and Reparation, produced through Obasanjo's initiative. Obasanjo also urged Africans not to forget the atrocities of the transatlantic slave trade, faulting attempts to shift responsibility for the trade mainly to Africans. He maintained that European powers encouraged conflicts among African communities, supplied weapons, and organised the trade in enslaved people for economic gain, arguing that their role should not be overlooked in discussions about slavery and reparations.
Former Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, reinforced the call for stronger links between Africa and the Caribbean, describing their relationship as one shaped by shared history and cultural connections. He described Caribbean civilisation as a combination of indigenous songs, European melody, African rhythm, and Asian chords, with Caribbean lyrics, highlighting the different influences that shaped the region. Gonsalves also supported reparations, describing them as an issue of international justice and a response to the lasting effects of slavery and colonialism.
Gonsalves explained that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) had developed a 10-point reparations plan covering formal apologies, health, education, housing, poverty reduction, technology, memorials, and the return of stolen cultural artefacts. The plan also includes debt relief and financial compensation. He argued that reparations should be treated as a distinct framework for addressing the consequences of slavery rather than ordinary development assistance.
Professor Paulette Ramsey, Professor of Afro-Hispanic Literature and Culture in Jamaica, called for stronger efforts to preserve African heritage and protect the intellectual property and creative works of people of African descent. She said African traditions, including folktales, proverbs, and oral storytelling, had survived in different parts of the diaspora, but more needed to be done to preserve and transmit them to younger generations.
Ramsey urged African governments to introduce policies that protect creative works and ensure that African history and cultural traditions are reflected in education systems, particularly for younger people in the diaspora. The leaders' comments highlight the need for stronger African unity, preservation of cultural heritage, and efforts to address the legacy of slavery and colonialism.
Key points
- Obasanjo criticises visa restrictions within Africa, calling for stronger unity and integration.
- Gonsalves supports reparations, describing them as an issue of international justice.
- Ramsey calls for preservation of African heritage and protection of intellectual property.
Reporting sources
- The Guardian · The Guardian
