Africa dreams of becoming a space in which its population circulates freely across its borders. This recommendation of the fathers of independence dating from the early 1960s was taken up in chorus by their successors at the head of now free states.
Since then, despite the difficulties along the way, African integration has followed its course. In this spirit, sub-regional groups are being built from which member countries project themselves towards this great common market, the foundations of which are laid within the framework of the continental free trade area.
It is therefore one thing to consider this ambition achievable, another to ask the question of whether the peoples and civil societies are prepared and sufficiently informed of the challenges that mark the path to integration. It seems, in fact, that on this subject, a colossal work of communication still remains to be done so as not to let suspicion take the lead.
Two examples to support this statement: the project of the road-rail bridge linking Brazzaville and Kinshasa, on the Congo river, has its detractors convinced that it will enrich one party to the detriment of the other. As for the agreements recently concluded by Rwanda and Congo-Brazzaville on agricultural concessions, they are causing politicians and non-governmental organizations to react.
Beyond the positions taken by each other, the benefit of which must be given the benefit of legitimacy, does the fundamental question not lie in the adherence of Africans to this ambitious project? Is African integration seen as an opportunity for prosperity feasible without some sprain to this very sensitive “nationality” cord which lacerates us all?
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