In a significant move towards greater regional integration, key committees within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have recommended the abolition of residence permits among member states. The committees, focusing on Social Affairs, Legal and Human Rights, and Political Affairs, presented their draft report on Thursday in Banjul, The Gambia, urging the elimination of the ECOWAS Residence Permit system. They argue that this system, initially established under the 1975 ECOWAS Treaty, now hinders the free movement of citizens within the region.
The joint committee’s report highlights the need for comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate both citizens and government officials on the Protocol on Free Movement. They also emphasized the importance of equipping border officials with knowledge of community laws to ensure smooth cross-border travel. The recommendations call for closer monitoring of border practices, particularly incidents of extortion, to ensure the effective implementation of regional agreements.
Furthermore, the parliamentarians have urged the ECOWAS Commission to push member states towards full compliance with community texts, particularly the ECOWAS Biometric Identification Card. This initiative is seen as crucial for reducing discrepancies between regional and national laws, ultimately enhancing the free movement of people and fostering greater economic integration across West Africa.