Mogadishu, 6 March 2023 (TDI): Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, Mohamud Isaak Mursal, officially signed the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) protocol on the free movement of persons on Sunday.
The protocol was signed at the Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the event, IGAD officials from other seven members and senior diplomats were also present.
While signing the IGAD protocol Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Isaak Mursal reaffirmed the continued support and commitment to the implementation of the agreement.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mursal highlighted that the protocol will facilitate decent livelihoods and promote regional economic integration for IGAD citizens.
In addition, he also thanked the IGAD Somalia team and policy contributors for their efforts to reach these milestones.
IGAD
Initially, IGAD was formed by seven African countries Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda, which took action through the United Nations (UN) to establish an intergovernmental body for the development and drought control in their region in 1984.
Later the body was transformed to accelerate economic, and social development and integration of members of the region through integration efforts by member states.
IGAD free movements of people
In a Ministerial meeting of IGAD member states, in January 2020 the member states agreed on the protocol for the free movement of people, goods, and free trade among members.
In accordance with this protocol, the nationals of member states have the right to enter, stay and exit the territory of another Member State, and the member states can also trade freely with each other.
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The other objective is to facilitate and improve regular labor migration and mobility in the IGAD region to enhance regional economic integration, stability, and development.
The protocol also recognizes the contribution that the free movement of people can mitigate the impact of conflict, poverty, unemployment, drought, and disasters, as well as the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation
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