Raphael Oni
Speaker of the Gambian National Assembly, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has emphasized the need for ECOWAS laws to facilitate the free movement of people across borders, rather than hindering it. He made this call at a meeting of ECOWAS joint committees in Banjul, The Gambia, stating, “Our legislative actions must be geared towards creating an enabling environment where the protocol can thrive and deliver on its promises.”
The meeting aimed to address challenges and opportunities in implementing the protocol, with a focus on creating an enabling environment for free movement to thrive. As Jatta noted, “We must approach our deliberations with a sense of urgency, commitment, and determination, knowing that the hopes and aspirations of millions of ECOWAS citizens rest on our shoulders.”
Jatta stressed that free movement of persons, rights of residence, and establishment are fundamental to achieving a united, peaceful, and prosperous community. He urged parliamentarians to focus on resolutions that harmonize national laws with regional commitments, provide robust oversight, and advocate for citizens’ rights and welfare. “We must hold our governments accountable for their commitments and ensure that they are implementing the necessary measures to facilitate free movement of our people across our region,” he added.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, represented by Omar Balde, highlighted the importance of free movement in promoting regional integration through trade and the movement of people, services, and goods. “The free movement of citizens provides for the right to establish resources for living, in essence,” he said.
Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Baboucarr Joof, emphasized the Gambia’s commitment to implementing the ECOWAS protocol on free movement, citing initiatives such as the ECOWAS Brown Card for motor insurance and the ECOWAS Biometric Passport. “The protocol on free movement of persons, rights of residence, and establishment is a cornerstone of the ECOWAS vision for a unified West African region,” he said.
Joof urged parliamentarians to enhance legislative support, harmonize national laws with protocol provisions, and facilitate free movement. He emphasized the need for strong collaboration and coordination among member states, national governments, regional institutions, and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation. “Regional integration is a product of collective and collaborative efforts that require close continuation among member States,” he said.
