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Malawi signs SADC protocol on free movement of persons
3 hrs ago |
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SALIMA, Malawi – Malawi has signed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons, marking a significant step towards strengthening regional integration and easing the movement of people across member states.
The protocol, adopted by SADC in 2005, seeks to progressively remove barriers to the movement of citizens within the regional bloc, promoting closer economic, social and cultural ties among member countries.
Malawi signed the agreement on 16 July 2026, on the sidelines of the 28th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation held in Salima.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr George Chaponda, said the move reflected the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and integration.
“The signing demonstrates Malawi’s commitment to regional integration and the free movement of people, while advancing SADC’s goals of economic development, social progress and unity among Member States,” Chaponda said.
The protocol is regarded as a key instrument in advancing regional integration by facilitating travel, residence and establishment among citizens of SADC member states, subject to national laws and agreed implementation frameworks.
Malawi’s accession is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at deepening cooperation among SADC countries and promoting greater mobility within the region, in line with broader regional priorities such as SADC free movement reforms and regional economic integration.
The protocol, adopted by SADC in 2005, seeks to progressively remove barriers to the movement of citizens within the regional bloc, promoting closer economic, social and cultural ties among member countries.
Malawi signed the agreement on 16 July 2026, on the sidelines of the 28th Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO) on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation held in Salima.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr George Chaponda, said the move reflected the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and integration.
“The signing demonstrates Malawi’s commitment to regional integration and the free movement of people, while advancing SADC’s goals of economic development, social progress and unity among Member States,” Chaponda said.
The protocol is regarded as a key instrument in advancing regional integration by facilitating travel, residence and establishment among citizens of SADC member states, subject to national laws and agreed implementation frameworks.
Malawi’s accession is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at deepening cooperation among SADC countries and promoting greater mobility within the region, in line with broader regional priorities such as SADC free movement reforms and regional economic integration.
Source - Byo24news
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