Deliberations were held by the Economic Community of West African States Parliament in Banjul, The Gambia, to bolster the enactment of a crucial protocol enabling the unrestricted movement of individuals, right to residency, and business establishment throughout the region.
Termed as “Parliament’s Role in the Implementation of the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence, and Establishment in the ECOWAS Region,” this five-day assembly brought together parliamentarians from various West African nations to address the obstacles and potentials in achieving the objectives of the protocol.
Initially endorsed on May 29, 1975, the protocol stands as a pivotal element in ECOWAS’s vision for enhanced regional integration and economic collaboration among its member states.
Baboucarr Joof, The Gambia’s Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, reiterated his country’s dedication to the principles of regional integration in his welcoming speech.
Joof encouraged his fellow parliamentarians to fortify legislative support for the protocol and collaborate closely with national governments to surmount any hindrances to its execution.
He stressed, “The theme of this meeting elaborates significantly on the overarching objective for which ECOWAS was established. Therefore, the concepts of unrestricted human movement, residency rights, and the seamless establishment of businesses across borders are fundamental principles not only entrenched in our protocols but also embody the primary purposes of ECOWAS, which are the foundation of unity, economic integration, and prosperity for all our citizens.”
Rt. Hon. Hadja Ibrahima, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, also underscored the essential role of parliamentarians in materializing the protocol.
She urged policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate in tackling challenges and formulating coherent policies to maximize the advantages of unrestricted movement within the region.
“Policymakers and stakeholders must combine their efforts to identify hurdles and suggest solutions to optimize the benefits of free movement, both regionally and nationally. These goals can only be attained through the formulation of coordinated policies and actions,” she emphasized.
Discussions during the session primarily focused on aligning national legislation with the protocol’s stipulations, ensuring synchronized actions among member states, and securing the essential resources for effective implementation.
The meeting is scheduled to conclude on August 30, with the issuance of a communique delineating the key recommendations and resolutions. This document will be presented to the ECOWAS Commission and Parliament for further deliberation and action.