Economic Community of West African States Parliament convened on Monday in Banjul,

The Gambia, to advance the implementation of a crucial protocol that facilitates the free

movement of persons, the right of residence, and the establishment of businesses across

the region.

This five-day session, 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,” brought together parliamentarians from across West Africa to discuss the

challenges and opportunities in realising the goals of the protocol. The protocol, initially

adopted on 29 May 1979, is a cornerstone of ECOWAS’s vision for deeper regional

integration and economic cooperation among its member states.

In his opening remarks, The Gambia’s Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration,

and Employment, Baboucarr Joof, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the principles of

regional integration. Joof urged fellow parliamentarians to strengthen legislative support for

the protocol and to collaborate closely with national governments to overcome any

obstacles to its implementation.

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hadija Ibrahima, also emphasised the vital role

of parliamentarians in making the protocol a reality. She called on policymakers and

stakeholders to work together to address the challenges and develop coordinated policies

that maximise the benefits of free movement across the region.

During the session, key discussions focused on harmonising national laws with the

protocol’s provisions, ensuring coordinated efforts among member states, and securing the

necessary resources for effective implementation. The meeting is set to conclude on 30

August with the issuance of a communiqué outlining the key recommendations and

decisions. The document will be submitted to the ECOWAS Commission and Parliament

for further consideration and action.