Link to article: https://apnews.com/article/africa-south-cyril-ramaphosa-kenya-william-ruto-597fc5eb8b446fa2b87bd94d6b08b46f
On Wednesday, the presidents of South Africa and Kenya said they had resolved a long-lasting visa dispute and that Kenyans would now be able to visit South Africa free from visa’s up to 90 days per year. Up until now, Kenyans were charged and required to provide proof of funds and return flight tickets whereas South Africans got free visas on arrival in Kenya. The agreement is set to take affect on January 1st. While Kenyan President William Ruto and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa were in Kenya, they praised the Ethiopia peace agreement that was signed last week. The presidents also said they had directed their ministers of trade to address any barriers that could limit trade between Kenya and South Africa as both nations are among the strongest economies in africa.
This news is very good for both countries as it improves relations and will likely lead to increased tourism and travel between both nations. This may have been done in preparation for the summer and spring where tourism will hit its peak. The agreement levels the field between both countries. Both nations will likely profit greatly from cooperating economies and reduction of conflict and barriers limiting trade. This will likely appease both nations peoples as it will mean lower prices and easier travel. If the benefits are great, this agreement may grow to encompass further economic cooperation and may prove threatening to neighboring nations left out of the agreement.
This links to our discussion in class when looking at nations working together for themselves. Both Kenya and South Africa believe they will benefit from this agreement and are cooperating with each other as long as it remains profitable and in their own best interest s and the interests of their people. This agreement could be argued to go against realist theory as the agreement seems to be a helping hand from South Africa to the Kenyan people.