Mistrust Impeding Free Movement across IGAD Region

Mistrust among member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is a major barrier to the implementation of the free movement protocol which allows free movement of persons across the region.  

According to the phases of the protocol, IGAD members are supposed to abolish visa requirements and implement right of entry, implementation of rights of movement of workers, and right of establishment; of residences. IGAD member states include Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan and Djibouti.

But Dr Mehari Tadelle Maru, a legal consultant on the protocol says that although there are several barriers to free movement, mistrust between member states and trans-boundary resource disputes remain the key barriers. Mehari was speaking on the sidelines of the IGAD high-level experts technical review meeting on the draft protocol at Speke Resort Munyonyo. 

Mehari also says infrastructure limitation in the region has inhabited free movement in the region. He adds that the ability to supervise border areas and to facilitate the movement of people.

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The statement comes amidst tension that has resulted in the closure of the common border between Uganda and Rwanda in Gatuna affecting hundreds of traders, and trucks loaded with merchandise. Although Rwanda is not part of IGAD, it is part of the East African community, whose values cut across the regional interests on free movement.

Gloria Moreno-Fontes the Regional Labour Migration and Mobility Specialist for Africa with International Labour Organisation (ILO) says that ILO is working with IGAD to ensure that workers’ rights are protected, for example, that people don’t get underpaid, and no one falls victim to forced labour within the region. 

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