The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has hailed the decision by leaders of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) to lift visa-based restrictions on free movement of citizens of member states across the Community with immediate effect, in compliance with existing agreements.

According to a statement issued Wednesday, the Executive Secretary of ECA, Mr. Carlos Lopes said the decision of the 12th Ordinary Session of CEMAC heads of state held recently in Libreville, Gabon, marks a watershed in the process of regional integration in Central Africa and will contribute to the African Union’s vision of a fully integrated and economically vibrant continent.

The resolve by CEMAC heads of state, coming just days after a technical committee involving ECA deliberated on pressing sub-regional integration issues, in Yaounde, Cameroon, is an indication that Central Africa’s leaders are fully committed to the African Union vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent.