Visa between Mali and Cameroon reintroduced

Visa between Mali and Cameroon has been reintroduced after 51 years of free movement of persons between the two States.

This has not been the case since 1964, the year of its suppression, at the time of former Presidents Modibo Keita of Mali and Ahmadou Ahidjo of Cameroon.

The agreement, which abolished the visa between Mali (West Africa) and Cameroon (Central Africa) was repealed on Tuesday in Yaoundé.

The measure took effect on Tuesday, September 8. Even though the visa is mandatory, it is free.

Holders of diplomatic and service passports as well as certain professional categories such as sports are exempted from visas.

The Cameroonian Foreign Minister, Pierre Moukoko Mbodjo, while explaining the context of this agreement told our correspondent that it is “part of an adjustment in particular vis-à-vis commitments of CEMAC but also with regard to the security situation.”

According to diplomatic sources, the operation of the 1964 agreement has flaws that could endanger the security of both countries in view of the rise of terrorist movements within or at their borders.

For the Malian Foreign Minister, this decision in no way taints the quality of relations between Cameroon and Mali.

Cameroon consulate should be opened soon in Bamako, while the Mali consulate in Douala would shortly be transferred to the Cameroonian capital.