(Ecofin Agency) - Since September 8, 2015, Cameroon and Mali nationals are being asked to provide a visa upon visiting one country or the other. This visa will be delivered by the respective consulate of both countries. The decision follows a visit by Mali’s minister of foreign affairs, Abdoulaye Diop.

Thus, Cameroon and Mali have decided to put an end to the 1964’s agreement for a free passage for citizens between the two countries. Cancelling the 51-year old accord was, according to both countries, fueled by the increasing insecurity, notably due to the increase in terrorist activities, in both countries.

However, in regards to the visa, it has been announced that the one requested from regular citizens is free whereas holders of diplomatic or official passports, sportsmen, and business operators who are to reside in Mali for less than 90 days, have no obligation to provide a visa.

Credible statistics reveal that commercial exchanges between Cameroon and Mali are nearly inexistent (0.2% in 2006). Nevertheless, Cameroon hosts a vast community of commercially-active Malians, and in Mali, there is a significant number of Cameroonian students, especially in the medicine faculties.