The Financial Nation of West African States Parliament convened on Monday in Banjul, The Gambia, to travel the implementation of a a very powerful protocol that facilitates the independent motion of individuals, the proper of place of dwelling, and the established order of companies around the patch.
This five-day consultation, themed “Parliament’s Role in the Implementation of the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence, and Establishment in the ECOWAS Region,” introduced in combination parliamentarians from throughout West Africa to speak about the demanding situations and alternatives in realising the targets of the protocol.
The protocol, to begin with followed on 29 Would possibly 1979, is a cornerstone of ECOWAS’s eye for deeper regional integration and financial cooperation amongst its member states.
In his opening remarks, The Gambia’s Minister of Business, Business, Regional Integration, and Business, Baboucarr Joof, reaffirmed his nation’s loyalty to the foundations of regional integration.
Joof instructed fellow parliamentarians to fortify legislative help for the protocol and to collaborate intently with nationwide governments to conquer any hindrances to its implementation.
“The theme for this assembly is self-explanatory and, in some ways, basically overarching relating to the totality of the target for which ECOWAS as a frame used to be established.
“Therefore, the free movement of people, the right to residence, and the concept of an unhindered opportunity for the community of the region to establish businesses freely across our borders are not just principles enshrined in our protocols—they are the true objectives of ECOWAS, the very foundation of the unity, economic integration, and prosperity that we seek for all our citizens,” he mentioned.
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadija Ibrahima, additionally emphasized the essential position of parliamentarians in making the protocol a truth.
She referred to as on policymakers and stakeholders to paintings in combination to deal with the demanding situations and manufacture coordinated insurance policies that maximise the advantages of independent motion around the patch.
“Policymakers and all stakeholders must unify their efforts to identify challenges and propose solutions that will maximise the benefits of free movement, both at the regional and national levels. These objectives will only be achieved through the development of coordinated policies and actions,” she mentioned.
All through the consultation, key discussions excited about harmonising nationwide regulations with the protocol’s provisions, making sure coordinated efforts amongst member states, and securing the essential assets for efficient implementation.
The assembly is ready to conclude on 30 August with the issuance of a communiqué outlining the important thing suggestions and selections. The report will probably be submitted to the ECOWAS Fee and Parliament for additional attention and motion.