A coalition named and styled; Liberia CSOs Coalition on Migration has officially been launched in Monrovia, Liberia. The launch of the coalition coincided with the observance of the “International Migration Day” on December 18, 2025. The Coalition is a consortium and network of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Liberia, working in the area of migration, committed to ensuring safe migration through advocacy, sensitization, research, outreach, capacity building, and data sharing.
The coalition will work to protect migrants’ rights, strengthen migration governance, and advocate for regional mobility that fosters socioeconomic development. The coalition will also engage the government of Liberia in ensuring safe migration pathways to protect migrant dignity. In a statement signed by Sam M. Nimely, the Focal Person for Liberia, they said “We are aware that joint efforts are key to addressing migration challenges effectively in Africa and we would like to collaborate with other organizations to share expertise, exchange best practices and jointly work toward the ratification of the “African Union Free Movement protocol” (AUFMP) by Liberia.”
With the increase in global trade, the AU Protocol adopted in 2018, is important for advancing regional integration to allow the free flow of goods and people in the sub-region to foster development. The free movement of citizens will also increase and maximize the benefits of migration among member states. Despite its potential, its implementation is dependent on fifteen (15) member states ratifying the protocol, yet it is sad to say that only four (4) have ratified the treaty and our key objective is to mobilize civil society organizations in Liberia to advocate effectively for eleven (11) African Union member states to ratify the African Free Movement Protocol by the year 2027.
The ongoing call for more countries to ratify the Protocol is to enable its full implementation and unlock its potential for development, economic opportunity, and the exchange of skills.
The protocol is part of the bigger plan to turn the continent into one of seamless borders with the introduction of a single passport allowing free movement between countries.
Its objective is to facilitate the implementation of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community, by providing for the progressive implementation of the free movement of persons, rights of residence, and rights of establishment in Africa. The free movement of people is the cornerstone of regional integration and economic growth. It aims to build on the existing Regional Economic Communities.
