Raphael Oni
Implementing the ECOWAS free movement must be carefully done while national security must be priority is the position maintained by border officials. They made this known during the ECOWAS parliament’s joint committees’ interactive session with security officials of the Karang-Amdalai border (border between Gambia and Senegal) on Wednesday. The session aimed to identify issues hindering the smooth implementation of the regional bloc’s free movement protocols.
Aly Diasse, Special Commissioner of Police at Karang (Senegal), stated, “For each of our countries, security is the priority.” He emphasized that security officials aim to address allegations and complaints while prioritizing the security of people and property.
Col. Yaya Moussa Thiem, Senegal’s head of customs at the Karang border, denied extortion accusations, saying, “In Senegal, whatever you pay, you will receive a receipt.” He attributed difficulties in movement to lack of documentation.
Omar Bojang, customs manager, trade facilitation and international cooperation, The Gambia, noted that only registered businesses enjoy free movement benefits, highlighting the need to mainstream informal businesses.
Juldeh Camara, Commissioner of Police at the Amdalai border of the Gambia, urged ECOWAS to establish a monitoring team to enforce free movement protocols.
The joint committee’s co-chair, Edwin Melvin Snowe Junior, emphasized the importance of feedback from security officials to improve protocol implementation, aligning with the founding fathers’ vision of a community where citizens can move freely, reside, and do business within the region.
