22/02/2023
BOTSWANA NAMIBIA TO USE IDS AS PASSPORTS
Consultations between Botswana and Namibia, for their citizens to use national identity cards in the place of passports are now complete.
A Monday press statement, by the Ministry of labour and Home Affairs says, with all the necessary measures now in place, it is systems go for the two countries.
The statement says that the two governments will this Friday sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) at Mamuno/ Trans-Kalahari Border Post to permit use of national identity cards for travel between the two countries.
Mamuno/ Trans-Kalahari Border Post is the busiest port of entry between the two countries. According to the statement, signing of the MoA will be the culmination of an initiative by the two countries’ Heads of State, Drs Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and Hage Geingob of Namibia dating back to 2019.
It says the development is a clear demonstration of their unwavering commitment to implementing a uniquely progressive aspect of the strategy of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
“The Agreement will thus serve to eliminate barriers to the free movement of people, goods and services, thereby strengthening trade between the two countries. As member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), this agreement between Botswana and Namibia will also contribute to the objectives of the SADC Treaty, which calls on SADC Member States to develop policies aimed at the progressive elimination of obstacles to the free movement of people, goods and services,” reads the statement.
It further says the use of national identity cards for cross-border travel will also enhance the momentum for economic and regional integration and further promote safe and orderly migration.
The statement says the development will become even more impactful on people’s lives as Mamuno/Trans-Kalahari Border Post attains a fully-fledged status of a One Stop Border Post, operating on a 24-hour basis later this year.
“It will also foster social cohesion among the citizens of the two countries, who share profound historical, cultural and economic bonds, in addition to the values of democracy, self-determination as a people, human rights, peace, rule of law, and good governance, among others,” it says. ENDS
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