Officials from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are currently on a four-day learning mission to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission. The mission was officially launched on May 21, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, by H.E. Damtien Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission.
The purpose of this IGAD mission is to share experiences related to the free movement regime and the enhancement of migration statistics. Specifically, it aims to provide IGAD with insights into the governance and functioning of ECOWAS's free movement of persons regime by examining relevant legislation, policies, regulations, procedures, and instruments that have contributed to its success.
In her opening address, Vice-President Tchintchibidja emphasized the commitment to regional integration and collaboration. She commended ECOWAS experts for their role in drafting the IGAD Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons and acknowledged support from international partners such as the European Union, IOM, and GIZ.
Representing Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary, Ambassador Maureen Achieng expressed gratitude for ECOWAS's leadership and the Nigerian government's facilitation of this meeting. Ambassador Achieng highlighted IGAD’s achievements in developing protocols for free movement and transhumance. “Our cooperation with ECOWAS on these protocols is aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and establishes a framework for economic and social prosperity in our regions,” she stated.
Mr. Jérôme Boa, Director of External Relations at the ECOWAS Commission, also addressed attendees at the meeting's opening. He expressed gratitude towards IGAD for its cooperation and underscored common objectives and challenges faced by both regions. Boa stressed the importance of mutual learning to promote a harmonious and prosperous Africa.
Both organizations reiterated their commitment to strengthening inter-regional ties, enhancing economic opportunities, and ensuring population well-being through cooperative initiatives.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is a regional economic community comprising countries in the Horn of Africa: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda. Its mission focuses on accelerating regional integration and cooperation among Member States.
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