A joint committee of the Economic Community of West African States has called for the abolition of the residence permit system, which they argue is obstructing the free movement of citizens across the region.
The joint committee made this call on Thursday to member states and the ECOWAS Commission in their draft report at the end of their delocalised sittings in Banjul, The Gambia.
The joint committee, which includes representatives from Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Political Affairs, Peace, Security, and Trade Customs, stated that the residence permit system, initially introduced under the ECOWAS Treaty of 1975, no longer serves its intended purpose.
The system, known as the ECOWAS Residence Permit or Residence Card, was designed to allow citizens to reside in another member state for extended periods for business, employment, or personal reasons.
However, the committee now argues that the permit system contradicts the fundamental ECOWAS objective of promoting economic integration and cooperation, particularly the protocol on free movement.
“The issuance of residence permits should be completely abolished in the region in conformity with the Community Text,” the report stated, pending approval by the ECOWAS Parliament’s plenary.
The committee’s report also pointed out widespread non-implementation of the ECOWAS free movement protocols at borders within West Africa.
In response, they have called for robust sensitisation campaigns to educate both citizens and government officials on these regional agreements.
They also recommended that all Immigration and Customs officers receive training on the relevant Community Texts, with special attention to border posts.
“The Free Movement Protocol should be made available to all Immigration Officers, especially at the border posts.
“All training programmes of Immigration and Customs officials should include training on the relevant Community Texts,” the draft report said.
Further, the committee demanded the deployment of officials at border posts to monitor, document, and report instances of extortion and other malpractices.
Additionally, they urged the ECOWAS Commission to ensure full compliance with the implementation of signed Community Texts by member states, particularly the ECOWAS Biometric Identification Card.
“Ensure that all signed Community Texts by Heads of State and Government are implemented by their Member states.
“Ensure the full compliance of member states in the implementation of the ECOWAS Biometric Identification Card,” it urged the ECOWAS Commission.
The committee’s recommendations followed a series of consultations held earlier in the week, including a town hall meeting with stakeholders and an interactive session with border officials from The Gambia and Senegal.