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The All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU) has issued a statement of grave concern regarding what it describes as a “wanton visa consular crisis” between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The regional umbrella student body warned that the escalating tensions between these two influential African countries are inflicting serious harm on academic mobility, regional cooperation, and the broader goals of continental integration.

In a formal statement released by the Union, AASU condemned the recent developments in consular relations, particularly the mutual removal of both nations from each other’s eVisa eligibility list. According to the Union, there is now no known avenue for ordinary passport holders from either country to apply for visas, a situation that has led to significant delays, rejections, and confusion for travelers, especially within the academic community.

“These recent developments have resulted in stringent visa requirements, delays, and rejections, severely impacting regional integration, academic mobility, and cooperation between the two nations,” stated HE Osisiogu Osikenyi E., President of the All-Africa Students’ Union.

The Union expressed deep concern about how this consular standoff undermines critical frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. According to the statement, these frameworks are founded on the principles of economic integration, free movement, and pan-African collaboration — principles that are now being put in jeopardy by this growing visa impasse.

“The visa consular crisis undermines the principles of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aim to promote economic integration, mobility, and cooperation among African countries,” the Union stated. It emphasized that the ability of students, researchers, and academics to travel, collaborate, and engage in joint intellectual endeavors is being severely hindered, threatening to stall the continent’s academic and developmental progress.

AASU’s statement further highlighted the damaging consequences this crisis is having on education and research partnerships. The Union noted that joint academic programs are being canceled or indefinitely postponed due to the prevailing visa uncertainties. Student exchange programs, a vital aspect of academic development and cultural exchange, have also been significantly disrupted. Researchers, too, are finding it increasingly difficult to collaborate, share knowledge, and innovate, as visa constraints continue to close doors that should be open.

“The restrictions imposed by both countries have resulted in cancelled academic programs, disrupted student exchanges, and limited research collaboration,” the Union emphasized. It expressed that such disruptions are not only a setback for the individuals affected but for the collective progress of African academia.

In light of the seriousness of the issue, the All-Africa Students’ Union issued an urgent appeal to the governments of Nigeria and Ethiopia to take immediate and decisive action. “The Presidency of the All-Africa Students’ Union urges the Governments of Nigeria and Ethiopia to ease visa requirements, simplify and streamline visa application processes to facilitate academic mobility and cooperation,” the statement declared.

The Union also called for increased diplomatic engagement aimed at resolving the crisis and repairing bilateral relations. “Engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and strengthen bilateral relations,” AASU urged, adding that efforts should be geared toward promoting unity and shared progress rather than reinforcing division.

In a powerful concluding appeal, AASU called on key African leaders to intervene. “The AASU calls on HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR of Nigeria, and HE Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali of Ethiopia; and other African leaders to swiftly summon their Foreign Missions in both countries to address the lingering impasse,” read the final section of the statement. The Union further urged the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, to take active steps to mediate and mobilize both governments in favor of resolving the crisis in the interest of regional integration and academic cooperation.

“We believe that by working together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous, and more integrated Africa,” President Osikenyi concluded, reinforcing the Union’s commitment to the vision of a connected and collaborative continent.

The All-Africa Students’ Union, which represents millions of students across the continent, is calling on all stakeholders — including the governments of Nigeria and Ethiopia, their diplomatic missions, and the African Union — to act without delay to reverse this troubling trajectory. As the crisis continues to affect students, researchers, and educators, the future of academic collaboration between two of Africa’s most influential nations hangs in the balance.

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