The African Union has a knack of coming up with very ambitious programmes, that, if implemented, would drive this continent forward. But many declarations of intent have remained on paper gathering dust yet the intentions were honourable. In 1999, African ministers in charge of aviation met in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire and signed the Yamoussoukro Decision that was aimed at liberalizing African airspace to promote the industry. 17 years later, the lack of implementation has not only seen African airlines fold, air transport on the continent has been dominated by foreign operators. The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) also met a similar fate with just a handful of countries subscribing to it. It has disappeared from the limelight all together. Then in 2013, on the 50th anniversary of the union, it came up with Agenda 2063 that put forward a dozen flagship projects that included the introduction of the African Passport. At least that part of the bargain will be honoured as the passport will be launched at the summit. But what about projects such as the establishment of a continental free trade area by next year? Do we really have to wait another 47 years before we realize its benefits? According to the agenda, guns on the continent should fall silent in the next 4 years, but will Africa meet the deadline without the necessary political will? Al Shabab, Al Qaeda in the Maghreb and Boko Haram will certainly not heed the call, but what about Burundi and South Sudan? If Africa is to fulfill the agenda, then commitment and political will have to come into play otherwise the sounds of guns will increase in tempo.
