By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the Gambia National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has reiterated that ECOWAS Laws must facilitate free movement of people across the sub-region borders rather than hinder it. Stating that free movement of persons, rights of residence and establishment are fundamental to the vision of a united peaceful and prosperous community

Speaker Jatta stated this at the ongoing delocalised meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament joint committees on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment/Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism (MAEP), Legal and Human Rights, Trade Customs and Free Movement on Monday in Banjul, The Gambia.

According to him, member states must ensure that their national laws are harmonized with regional commitments, provide robust oversight to guarantee compliance, and advocate tirelessly for the rights and welfare of all ECOWAS citizens.

He therefore challenged members of parliament to focus on resolutions that will allow member states harmonizing national laws with regional commitments and this he said, involves reviewing and amending immigration policies, labour laws, and other relevant legislation to align with the provisions of the protocol.

He said: “Our legislative actions must be geared towards creating an enabling environment where the protocol can thrive and deliver on its promises. Equally, we must also recognize the numerous challenges that have impeded the full realization of the protocol. Many of our citizens face significant difficulties when attempting to move across our borders. These challenges range from bureaucratic obstacles and inconsistent immigration policies to issues of national security.

“There is the urgent need to ensure that our laws facilitate, rather than hinder, the movement of people across our borders. Robust oversight on the part of the Parliamentarians is also essential to guarantee compliance with the protocol.

“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.

“The free movement of persons, right of residence, and establishment are fundamental to our vision of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Community. As parliamentarians, we have a crucial role to play in making this vision a reality.

“We must, therefore, 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. Without any shred of doubt, I am confident that, together, we can overcome the challenges before us and pave the way for a more integrated, peaceful, and prosperous ECOWAS region.

“Many citizens encounter bureaucratic hurdles that impede their travel. Frequent changes in immigration rules, and a lack of clear information are common complaints. These barriers not only frustrate individuals but also undermine the spirit of regional integration. Security concerns present another significant challenge”.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, who was represented by the Director of  Africa Division, in the Ministry, Omar Balde, said free movement of the citizens provides for the right and establishes resources of living in essence.

The minister further disclosed that Gambia has strengthened structures and processes of its parliament in promoting greater public involvement and engagement with political processes, this he said was in line with regional objectives which is regional integration through trade and the movement of people, services and goods.

He stated: “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”.

He urged the Gambia National Assembly to pass legislation that would improve the implementation of migration policies and to harmonize various national laws related to migration.

In addition, the Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment of The Gambia, Baboucarr Joof, emphasized that the protocol on the free movement of persons, along with the rights of residence and establishment, is central to ECOWAS’s vision for a unified West African region.

According to the minister, this protocol represents the commitment of member states to create a borderless environment where individuals can travel, establish businesses, and reside freely across member states without undue restrictions. He highlighted that this vision not only supports economic growth and development but also enhances cultural and social integration among citizens.

He also noted that The Gambia is committed to its development plan for 2023-2027, which is aligned with the nation’s broader development goals.

“The government of the Gambia through my ministry has consistently demonstrated commitment to the implementation of ECOWAS brown cards for motor insurance. The ECOWAS biometric passport and identity 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 sensitize 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 people’s representatives with much closer relationships with them.

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

He encouraged the ECOWAS parliament to bolster its legislative efforts in transforming the objectives of the protocols into national laws. He emphasized the need for legislative bodies to work conscientiously to align national legislation with the provisions of the protocols. This alignment is crucial for supporting and facilitating the free movement of people, as well as the rights to 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, regional 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.