The ECOWAS Parliament convened a delocalized meeting on August 26, 2024, in Banjul, The Gambia. This session was officially opened by the Gambian Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta. The purpose of the meeting was to advance the implementation of the ECOWAS flagship Protocol on Free Movement and its accompanying Supplementary Acts aimed at facilitating the movement of persons, right of residence, and establishment of businesses by Community Citizens across the region.
Speaking at the opening of the five-day session, The Gambia’s Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Baboucarr Joof, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to regional integration principles. Joof urged ECOWAS Parliamentarians to strengthen legislative support for the protocol and collaborate closely with national governments to overcome any obstacles to its implementation.
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, also emphasized the vital role of parliamentarians in making the protocol a reality. She called on policymakers and stakeholders to work together to address challenges and develop coordinated policies that maximize the benefits of free movement across the region.
“Policymakers and all stakeholders must unify their efforts to identify challenges and propose solutions that will maximise the benefits of free movement, both at the regional and national levels. These objectives will only be achieved through the development of coordinated policies and actions,” she stated.
During the session, a presentation on an overview of the Free Movement Protocol and its Supplementary Acts was made. The ECOWAS Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration, Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng speaking on behalf of ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse highlighted various factors that have impeded implementing this protocol in the region. He stressed enhancing synergy among all relevant ECOWAS Institutions—especially between ECOWAS Parliament and stakeholders—to advance implementation within Member States as pivotal for deeper regional integration and economic cooperation within ECOWAS Space.
He also mentioned needing Member States to fully deploy the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) and implement abolishing 90-day stays as adopted by Heads of State Authority as well as domesticating all instruments related to Free Movement by Member States.
The ECOWAS delegation in Banjul will also engage in town hall meetings with Market Traders, Transport Union members, Women, and Youth regarding this initiative. Additionally, there would be a visit to Amdallai (The Gambia) – Karang (Senegal) border.
The meeting is set to conclude on August 30 with issuing a communiqué outlining key recommendations and decisions. The document will be submitted to ECOWAS Commission and Parliament for further consideration.
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