PSC/PR/COMM.1(DCLXI)
Page 3
12.
Encourages Member States to sensitize their citizens on all AU decisions relating to free
movement of people, goods and services, with a view to forestalling any resentment to foreigners
from other African countries and preventing xenophobia;
13.
Underlines the need to ensure a phased approach in implementing AU policy decisions
on free movement of people and goods, mindful of the variances in the legitimate security
concerns of Member States. Council also underlines the need to ensure that effective measures
are put in place in order to prevent situations whereby upholding the freedom of movement of
people will not lead to situations whereby the arrival and settlement of migrants in a given
country will create/ exacerbate inequalities or will constitute challenges to peace and security;
14.
Requests the AU Commission to expedite the finalization of the Protocol on Free
Movement of Persons in Africa, pursuant to Assembly decision [Assembly/AU/Dec.607 (XXVII)];
15.
Also requests CISSA to provide necessary support to the Member States and the
RECs/RMs, with a view to expediting the implementation of all AU policy decisions relating to
free movement of people and goods;
16.
Further stresses the need for the African Members of the UN Security Council to work
closely with the PSC in ensuring that Africa’s determination to facilitate free movement of people
and goods is not impeded by external influences, given the emerging trends in some parts of the
world whereby some countries are moving in the direction of closing their borders and imposing
restrictions on the free movement of people;
17.
Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.