The ECOWAS Parliament and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) have set forth a collaborative vision to foster Economic integration by facilitating the visa-free movement of people, thus propelling business, trade, and investment across the African continent.
The plan for increased cooperation between the two regional legislative bodies was revealed during a courtesy visit paid by Rt. Hon. Ntakirutimana Joseph, the Speaker of EALA and his East African Counterparts, to Rt. Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, in Abuja on Thursday.
Both sides expressed their commitment to working out the necessary frameworks for legislative action that will promote seamless integration.
According to Hon. Sidie Tunis, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, “The aim of ECOWAS is integration, of which free movement plays a pivotal role, if the two regions can collaborate and work together, considering the fact that we represent the people, we believe we can achieve this dream for Africa to become one”.
During a press conference held after a productive closed-door meeting, Hon. Joseph emphasized the significance of building an Africa where unrestricted movement and business can flourish. He stressed the potential for both regions to work together in unity to achieve this shared dream of a more integrated Africa.
Despite facing challenges such as economic crises and political issues within some member countries, Hon. Joseph highlighted that these obstacles could be overcome through mediation and support from ECOWAS, fostering the exchange of ideas and knowledge.
Accompanied by Dr. Mlozi Shogo, a member of the Tanzanian parliament, Hon. Joseph also took the opportunity to seek the support of the ECOWAS Parliament for the candidature of Dr. Tulia Ackson, the Speaker of the Tanzanian Parliament, in her bid for the Speakership of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Speaking alongside Hon. Joseph during the press conference, Speaker Tunis emphasized that free movement is a fundamental aspect of collaboration between the two regions. He believed that resolutions could be reached to enhance the mobility of people between West Africa and East Africa, ultimately leading to a more united Africa.
The esteemed guests also engaged in discussions with Dr. Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, at the ECOWAS headquarters, further solidifying their deliberations.
Regarding the candidature of Dr. Ackson, Speaker Tunis revealed that the African Union has already endorsed her, expressing their support as Africans who wish to see her represent the continent in the IPU. This endorsement also received praise during their visit to the Nigerian National Assembly, where the delegation was received by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu.
Deputy Speaker Kalu stated that the visit marked a significant step forward for Africa in pursuing closer collaboration for mutual interests and enabling a unified voice for the continent. He stressed that unity would enable Africa to tackle pressing issues like climate change and human trafficking, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
In conclusion, the delegation offered words of encouragement to Dr. Tulia Ackson in her aspirations to become the Speaker of the IPU, recognizing her as an emblem of women’s empowerment and progress not only in Africa but globally. With the determination of both ECOWAS and EALA to foster integration and cooperation, a more interconnected and prosperous Africa seems closer than ever.
