The ECOWAS Parliament has commenced a crucial meeting in Banjul, Gambia, focused on addressing the challenges to the free movement of people and goods within West Africa.
The meeting, led by ECOWAS Parliament Speaker Hadja Ibrahima, is scheduled to run from August 26 to 30.
Themed “The Role of Parliament in the Implementation of the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons and the Right of Residence and Establishment in the ECOWAS Region,” the discussions aim to tackle the persistent obstacles hindering the full realization of the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement.
This protocol, signed in 1975, was designed to allow citizens of ECOWAS member states to travel, live, and work across the region without requiring visas.
Despite nearly five decades since its signing, the implementation of this protocol remains incomplete, with several barriers still preventing the seamless movement of goods and citizens.
Speaker Ibrahima highlighted that differences in national policies, weak enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate infrastructure have significantly hampered the progress of the free movement and trade protocol.
She emphasized the need for stronger governance and enhanced cooperation among member states to achieve the protocol’s objectives.
Gambian National Assembly Speaker, Fabakary Tombong Jatta also called for tangible actions to eliminate these barriers, while the head of the Gambian delegation, Billay Tunkara, urged ECOWAS members to address critical issues such as immigration, insecurity, and cross-border crimes that continue to obstruct free movement.
Throughout the meeting, ECOWAS parliamentarians will explore strategies to strengthen the implementation of the Free Movement Protocol.
This gathering in Banjul represents a significant step toward realizing a more integrated West Africa. According to Article 3 of the ECOWAS Treaty, establishing a common market was a primary goal, leading to the creation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).
However, the full implementation of this scheme has faced challenges, with some member states failing to comply with the ETLS protocol.
