Need To Tackle Obstacles To ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol

Emerging challenges are affecting the implementation of the Free Movement Protocol of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the efforts of subregional countries to maintain national security. Addressing these issues is crucial to preserving the integrity of the community protocol.

These challenges were the focus of a recent public hearing held by the ECOWAS Parliament’s joint committees on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Trade Customs and Free Movement, which took place in Banjul, The Gambia.

President of ECOWAS citizens in The Gambia, Michel Koivogui,  highlighted concerns during his address on Tuesday. He suggested that practical implementation of the free movement protocol might be hindered by the actions of some overly zealous, misinformed, or corrupt security officials at national borders, who are allegedly extorting West African citizens.

Free movement is crucial for regional integration, which is why ECOWAS Member States adopted the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons and the Right of Residence and Establishment on May 29, 1975, to facilitate business and movement across the region. However, nearly 50 years after this protocol’s adoption, movement within the sub-region remains challenging, according to the leader of ECOWAS citizens in The Gambia.

Michel Koivogui expressed his satisfaction at meeting with ECOWAS parliament members, emphasising that many on-the-ground issues are not known to them. He noted that while the concept of free movement is widely discussed, it is often not realized in practice between ECOWAS states.

He lamented  further , that border crossings are problematic, with security officials demanding money even when travelers have all the necessary documents. Refusal to pay can lead to being forcibly removed from vehicles, leaving passengers stranded. He also criticised the lack of receipts for these illegal payments and called for increased community-level sensitisation by ECOWAS

His words , “We talk about free movement, we hear about free movement, but we can say that there is no free movement between the ECOWAS states.

“When you want to cross the borders, they will collect money from you even if you have all your travel documents with you. If you refuse, they will force you out of the vehicle and ask the driver to go.

“So, we have cases where the drivers leave the passengers and go simply because they (passengers) refuse to give security officials money

“I urge ECOWAS to organise more awareness programmes about its protocols for both citizens and officers,” he said. “We have observed that some border officials are not even aware of the ECOWAS protocols. Educating citizens about their rights will make it harder for security agents to extort them.”

Various stakeholders, including representatives from Chambers of Commerce and Industry, transport unions, market unions, market women associations, trade unions, and labour unions, voiced their support for Mr. Koivogui’s call. They urged regional leaders to find effective ways to implement the free movement protocols.

However, some security officials argued that the implementation of the ECOWAS free movement protocol must be balanced with national security concerns, especially given the current high level of insecurity in the region.

This was discussed during an interactive session with security officials at the Karang-Amdalai border (between The Gambia and Senegal) on Wednesday. The session aimed to address challenges to the implementation of the regional bloc’s free movement protocols.

The  special commissioner of Police at Karang (Senegal), Aly Diasse, emphasised that security officials are focused on addressing complaints while ensuring the safety of people and property.

Senegal’s head of customs at the Karang border, Col. Yaya Moussa Thiem, denied allegations of extortion, stating, “In Senegal, you will receive a receipt for any payment.” He attributed difficulties in movement to issues with documentation., “Security is our top priority for each of our countries.”

Customs manager for Trade Facilitation and International Cooperation in The Gambia, Omar Bojang, noted  that only registered businesses currently benefit from free movement. He emphasised the need to integrate informal businesses into the system to ensure proper documentation.

Commissioner of Police at the Amdalai border , Juldeh Camara, called for ECOWAS to establish a monitoring team to enforce the free movement protocols effectively.

During the session, Co-chair of the Joint Committee,Edwin Melvin Snowe Junior,  explained that the town hall meeting aimed to address the challenges obstructing the implementation of the free movement protocol. He highlighted the crucial role of feedback from security officials in improving protocol enforcement.

It is now essential for current leaders to intensify their efforts to realise the vision of the founding members—a community where citizens can move freely, reside, and conduct business throughout the region