The world is truly becoming a global village as more barriers are lifted, new alliances formed and old ones refurbished. Rwanda has been championing the African Free Trade Area with a lot of zeal. It began by throwing its doors wide open first for all African nationals but later extended it to the whole world; it is no longer necessary to apply for a visa prior to travelling to Rwanda, they get it at the point of entry. Some few African countries have followed suit but most still regard free movement with suspicion, however unfounded it may be. It is ironic that nationals of African countries that lock out fellow African immigrants at their borders are the ones dying trying to cross into Europe. If they opened up their borders and increased trade amongst them, there would be no need for their sons and daughters dying in the Mediterranean. Today, strong ties, whether economic or political is what is making this world tick. Isolationists and xenophobes will be left behind as more barriers are brought down. This week Rwanda has and will play host to three eminent personalities; the presidents of Mozambique and China as well the Prime Minister India. It was not a sheer stroke of an afterthought that deepening cooperation in many fields and waiving visa requirements for diplomatic and service passport holders was on the menu; more open doors mean more business and more exchanges, culturally and all. There is a reason for having three heads of governments in one week, all with strengthening ties as one of their top priorities. And that is after travelling thousands of kilometres and most of them crossing vast oceans. Why can’t it serve as a silent lesson to all those still averse to easing travel restrictions - even in our own backyard – that no country can survive by being introvert.
