6 – 7 March 2024 (Accra, Ghana) – The Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) was a proud partner in the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) High-Level Policy Forum on the Free Movement Protocol (FMP) in Africa. The forum participants included focal persons on migration and mobility from some key Member States of the AU from all five (5) regions of the continent, civil society and some relevant experts on migration and free movement in Africa.
The Specific Objectives of the Forum were to 1) facilitate discussions among technical focal persons to identify and understand the specific challenges faced by Member States in ratifying and implementing the FMP; 2) collaboratively formulate a detailed framework for the ratification and domestication of the FMP, and 3) share best practices, and lessons learned from countries that have ratified, and explore avenues for regional collaboration to bolster technical capabilities across the continent.
The forum helped to popularize the FMP, engage the focal persons in identifying challenges and reasons behind the non-ratification of the FMP, and discuss solutions to these challenges. Representatives from some of the countries that have ratified the protocol were also invited to share experiences on the implementation of the protocol since their ratification. The forum helped to create awareness and enhanced the understanding of the protocol among African technocrats charged with the eventual implementation of the FMP. The Forum developed commitments from participants to promote the objectives and outcomes of the forum with their various departments and ministries in charge of ratifying treaties to rally support for ratification of the FMP.
The importance of the FMP cannot be overstated. At its core, the protocol is a catalyst for dismantling obstacles that hinder the movement of people across borders. By streamlining these processes, the FMP directly contributes to the realisation of the broader vision encapsulated in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), fostering a conducive environment for economic growth and cross-border collaboration. Moreover, the protocol addresses not only economic considerations but also emphasizes the social and cultural ties that bind African nations. It signifies a commitment to building stronger connections among countries, promoting mutual understanding, and creating opportunities for shared prosperity. Despite its profound significance, the FMP has encountered challenges on the path to implementation. Currently, it has only been ratified by 4 countries (Mali, Niger, Rwanda, and Sao Tome and Principe). This slow progress reflects the nuanced dynamics and complexities inherent in aligning diverse Member States with a unified vision of free movement. Concerns related to job displacement, security risks, and variations in commitment to regional integration have contributed to a cautious approach among some nations.