Sahelian, Saharan states discuss free movement

How to achieve free movement of persons and goods among countries on both sides of the Sahara and to consolidate regional peace and security was the focus of the fourth meeting of ministers of home affairs and security from the Community of Sahelo-Saharan States, known as CEN-SAD, held from 26 to 30 July in Lome, Togo. The ministers recommended tighter cooperation in the fight against terrorism and defined an framework for such cooperation. They also examined legal issues regarding the establishment of conventions and agreements on the free movement and residence of persons, the fight against organised crime, mutual assistance in the juridical field and the transfer of detained convicts, as well as cooperation in the area of security and the fight against illicit drugs. "It is only by working together in a spirit of cooperation, mutual assistance and active solidarity that the security services will be able to effectively curb crime and trafficking, especially the illegal trade in drugs and small arms," CEN-SAD Secretary-General Mohamed Al Madani Al Azhari said. "That requires regular consultations and the adoption of legal instruments." In a statement made public at the meeting, Libyan leader Muammar Khadafi said African citizens should be able to move freely without needing visas, passports or authorisations from anyone, with due respect for the borders. The ministers called for appropriate action to be taken for the application of recommendations and instructions given to the CEN-SAD secretary-general. In this regard, they said a plan should be drawn up, defining the actions to be taken, the actors, duration of implementation and deadlines. The ministers are due to hold their next meeting in Burkina Faso at a date yet to be announced.