The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has intensified efforts to build national consensus around the ratification and implementation of the IGAD Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, bringing together workers’ organisations, journalists and government representatives in Mogadishu as part of a broader regional campaign.
The engagements, held on Wednesday, formed part of IGAD’s ongoing support to Somalia in advancing the Protocol, which seeks to facilitate the safe, orderly and regular movement of people across IGAD Member States while promoting regional integration, labour mobility and economic cooperation.
A key consultation was held with the leadership of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU), where discussions focused on the role of organised labour in supporting the implementation of the Protocol and ensuring that workers benefit from increased regional mobility through stronger legal protections and improved labour migration governance.
Speaking during the meeting, FESTU General Secretary Omar Faruk Osman described the Protocol as an important opportunity to connect regional integration with decent work.
“The Free Movement of Persons Protocol has the potential to unlock new opportunities for workers, entrepreneurs and young people across the region. But its success will depend on ensuring that mobility is governed by clear rules that protect workers’ rights, promote decent work and expand opportunities for lawful employment. Trade unions are committed to playing their part in making that happen.”
Following the meeting with FESTU, the IGAD delegation held a dialogue with senior journalists, highlighting the important role of the media in informing public debate and raising awareness of the Protocol’s objectives and expected benefits.
IGAD Senior Programme Coordinator Lucy Daxbacher said public understanding would be critical to the Protocol’s successful implementation. “The Free Movement of Persons Protocol is ultimately about improving the lives of people across the IGAD region. Journalists have an important responsibility to provide accurate and balanced information so that citizens understand how the Protocol can contribute to economic opportunity, regional cooperation and safe labour mobility.”
The stakeholder engagements took place alongside a three-day national workshop launched by IGAD in Mogadishu on Tuesday. The forum has convened representatives from the Federal Government of Somalia, employers’ organisations, trade unions and other public institutions to identify practical measures for accelerating the ratification and implementation of the Protocol.
Participants are also discussing ways to strengthen labour migration governance, promote social dialogue and reinforce cooperation among institutions responsible for implementing the regional agreement.
The IGAD Protocol on Free Movement of Persons aims to remove unnecessary barriers to the movement of citizens within the region while ensuring that migration takes place through safe, orderly and regular channels. It also seeks to expand access to employment, encourage trade and investment and strengthen economic integration among IGAD Member States.
IGAD says its continued engagement with Somali stakeholders reflects its commitment to supporting the country’s ratification process and ensuring that implementation of the Protocol is inclusive, people-centred and responsive to the needs of workers, employers and communities across the region.
