By State House Communication Unit
President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma on Monday (21/11/2016) received his African Union (AU) Passport presented to him by Sierra Leone’s ambassador to Ethiopia Osman Keh Kamara at State House in Freetown. It could be recalled that the AU passport was unveiled during the 27th African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government on 17th July, 2016, in the Rwandan capital, Kigali. The passport was launched to not just facilitate free movement of people, but also spur economic growth and integration as well as promote Intra-African trade.
Receiving the passport, President Koroma described the occasion as symbolic that will open up a new chapter for African integration. He noted prior discussions held by African leaders on ways on enhancing continental integration, facilitating trade and support each other, adding that the introduction of the African Passport is a step in the right direction. The president went on to say that this significant step will take the continent to a point of unity and eventually becomes a single unit.
He expressed optimism that this facility will be extended to every Sierra Leonean and used the opportunity to extend warm greetings to the AU Chairperson, President Idriss Deby Itno.
Ambassador Keh Kamara said the passport would be given to all African Presidents, Foreign Ministers, Ambassadors, and to all AU members.
