By Musa S.Sheriff
President Adama Barrow has emphasized that his government remains fully committed to the regional instruments, protocols, and arrangements for the free movement of people and goods.
“Yet, as the situation shows, a critical and unfortunate issue linked to the free movement of people is irregular migration,” the Gambian leader said at the 64th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on Sunday in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria
He said that this was discussed at length during the 63rd Ordinary Session, and pertinent decisions were adopted. “Regretfully, it appears that the situation has become worse and unbearable.”
“In response, I recommend that the Authority launches a special study on the matter. A key objective of this should be to develop and implement a common sub-regional migration policy and related programmes to mitigate the root causes and impact of this huge challenge.
On the political situation in the sub-region, we must re-commit to the implementation of the roadmaps and transition processes and programmes for the re-establishment of democratic governance and constitutional rule in the relevant member states,” President Barrow emphasized.
Regarding the recent breach of security in Sierra Leone, the Gambian leader said his government strongly condemns the act, and The Gambia stands in solidarity with the Government and People of Sierra Leone. “We reassure them of our support in their quest to strengthen democratic governance in their nation.”
He stressed that it is worth emphasizing that to preserve and strengthen democracy and the rule of law, dialogue, and other means of preventive diplomacy, as tools to address regional challenges, remain critical. “It is from this vantage point that we can fruitfully foster peace, security, stability, and development within the ECOWAS Region.”
President Barrow informed the forum that his government continues to work, in consultation with all stakeholders, to nurture and safeguard the existing peaceful and stable environment in The Gambia.
“To achieve this objective, we place a high priority on our ongoing reform programmes, including the Security Sector Reform (SSR), transitional justice agenda, and promotion of the rule of law. Given this, my Government renews its commitment to work with the ECOWAS Commission in fast-tracking the SSR,” President Barrow noted.
He commended ECOWAS, ECOMIG Mission, and Troop contributing countries and partners for their support in maintaining peace and stability in The Gambia, while he encouraged those countries to accompany Gambia in its efforts for sustainable peace and security in the Smiling Coast.
He further reassured the summit that his government is devoted to implementing reform programmes that enhance effective performance, operational efficiency, and judicious financial management to attain our national goals and targets.
He stressed that implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparation Commission (TRRC) recommendations is on course.
He disclosed that The Gambia Government is working with relevant stakeholders to finalize a National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Bill to establish an effective and functional system.