IGAD-ILO Advances South Sudan’s Free Movement Protocol Implementation

• South Sudan's frontline border officers are receiving specialized training in integrated border management under a joint initiative by IGAD Secretariat, ILO, and IOM African Capacity Building Centre.
• The training program is funded by the European Union under Phase 2 of the FMPT2 project and aims to enhance labor opportunities and mobility across East Africa.
• South Sudan's signing and ongoing efforts towards ratification and implementation of the IGAD Protocol on Free Movement of Persons are critical steps towards regional integration and economic growth.

In a significant development for regional integration, South Sudan has taken a crucial step towards implementing the IGAD Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. The country's frontline border officers are now set to receive specialized training in integrated border management, thanks to a joint initiative by the IGAD Secretariat, ILO, and IOM African Capacity Building Centre. Funded by the European Union under Phase 2 of the FMPT2 project, this capacity-building program aims to enhance labor opportunities and mobility across East Africa. The training program is a direct result of South Sudan's key milestones in advancing the Free Movement Protocol, including its official signing on June 17, 2022, with efforts ongoing towards its ratification and the validation of its national implementation roadmap.

The IGAD Protocol on Free Movement of Persons is a cornerstone of regional integration efforts in East Africa. By ratifying this protocol, South Sudan has committed to enhancing labor opportunities and mobility across the region. However, effective implementation requires robust institutional coordination to manage complex security challenges. Modern border governance demands more than just physical barriers; it necessitates effective interagency cooperation, timely information sharing, and cross-border collaboration among immigration, police, and regional partners. The IGAD Secretariat's emphasis on strengthening border management institutions and frontline officers is a critical step in this direction.

The successful implementation of the IGAD Protocol on Free Movement of Persons has far-reaching implications for South Sudan and the region. By enhancing labor opportunities and mobility, the protocol can contribute significantly to economic growth and social development. However, this requires effective border governance that combines security with facilitation, protection, and respect for rights. The training program for frontline border officers is a vital step in ensuring that migrant workers encounter legal channels while safeguarding human rights. As South Sudan continues on its path towards regional integration, it must prioritize effective border management to reap the benefits of free movement.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential implications of South Sudan's ratification and implementation of the IGAD Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, including enhanced labor opportunities and increased mobility across East Africa.

Source: Original reporting via Radio Tamazuj