Gambia Government Support Implementation Of ECOWAS Free Movement Protocols

By Angel-Linda Ike

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Mamadou Tangara said free movement of the citizens provides for the right and establish resources of living in essence.

Tangara stated this at an opening of a delocalized meeting of the ECOWAS Joint committee, in Banjul, The Gambia.

Represented by the Director of Africa Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Gambia, Omar Balde, the minister said the establishment is in line with regional objectives which is regional integration through trade and the movement of people, services and goods.

He disclosed that the Gambia has strengthened structures and processes of its parliament in promoting greater public involvement and engagement with political processes

“The Gambia’s National Assembly through its several committees have established a series of interactive and public facing activities designed to drive accountability and inclusion while bringing the voices of citizens closer to parliamentarians including promoting integration through mobility, free movement and respect of the ECOWAS Protocol.

“The participation of the Gambia’s National Assembly Members in the ECOWAS Parliament is very promising in the implementation of the Protocol. Under the distinguished leadership of H.E. President Adama Barrow,

“The Gambia and its partners support the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities, women and young people in political leadership and processes in the West African country by partnering actively with political parties and civil society organisations.the Minister said.

He further urged that the national assembly should make laws to favour the implementation process, the call for the harmonisation of the various national laws in the areas of migration.

Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment of the Gambia, Mr. Baboucarr Joof said 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 it embodies the commitment of the ECOWAS member states to create a borderless immunity where individuals can move freely establish businesses and reside across member states without unnecessary restrictions.

He further stated that the vision does not only promote economic growth and development but also foster greater cultural and social integration among the citizens.

According to him, the Gambia strongly recognizes its nation’s development blueprint which focused on national development planning 2023-2027.

“The government.of the Gambia through my ministry has consistently demonstrated commitment to the implementation of ECOWAS brown cards for motor insurance. The ECOWAS biometry passport and identity of cards with the potential to improve the free movement of persons, rights of residence and establishment in the Gambia.

“My ministry closely collaborates with the Gambia immigration department and ECOWAS brown card insurance bureau to sensitive and create awareness about the free movement protocol throughout the country every year.

“The parliament is not only relevant in making protocols but they are important in the implementation of the protocols as they are peoples Representatives with much closer relationships with them.

“It is therefore crucial for parliament’s involvement in the implementation of the protocols and its supplementprotocols to attend the objectives of this particular protocol.” Joof said.

He urged the ECOWAS parliament to enhance its Legislative support in translating the protocols objectives into national legislation, adding that Legislative bodies must work diligently to harmonies national laws with the protocols provisions to ensure the.highly framework support and facilitate the free movement of persons,rights of residence and establishment.

“Regional integration is a product of collective and collaborative efforts that require close continuation among member States.

“There is a need for strong collaboration and coordination therefore in fostering dialogue and cooperation among national governments, regionally institutions and other stakeholders to.ensure guarantee, effective implementation strategies that address our needs.

“The full realisation of free movement in the ECOWAS area requires strong governance, based on mutual trust, shared responsibility and ownership of results.” the Minister said.
[8/27, 18:59] JOSHUA DAILY TRUST: No free movement protocol in place in W/Africa – ECOWAS citizens.