Asserting and painting a true picture on Africa Migration narrative is a preoccupation for the African Union and actors that active the migration discourse in Africa. This is according to a new report, the 2nd Edition of the Africa Migration Report, launched today by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The new report further highlights that migration has remained predominantly within the continent, as opposed to outside of Africa.
The report underscores the interconnectedness of migration drivers in Africa, including economic disparities, political instability, and the impacts of climate change. The prolonged drought in the Horn of Africa and severe seasonal flooding across the continent led to record internal displacements in 2022, adding to the fact that many African countries experienced conflict and climate events at the same time.
"We convene today to launch the Africa Migration Report, 2nd Edition, joint initiative between the AU and IOM aimed at preserving historical perspectives, portraying the right narrative on African migration. While informing policy frameworks to support migration and human mobility on the Continent," said Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma. In her remarks, H.E. Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, AUC Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development (HHS) thanked IOM for supporting migration governance in Africa. She also thanked other partners for their support. In her remarks, H.E. Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, AUC Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development (HHS) thanked IOM on initiating the migration governance in Africa. She also thanked the support from partners.
IOM Director General, Amy Pope addressed, by videoconference, the launch. "Conflict, violence and disasters, some of which are climate-related, drive much of the displacement in Africa and around the world. In sub-Saharan Africa, conflict and violence drove nine million displacements and disasters led to 7.4 million in 2022," said IOM Director General, Amy Pope. "We need to be more strategic and innovative, to build solutions by anticipating when people will be compelled to move."
H.E. Mrs. Rose K. Sakala, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to Ethiopia and the African Union, and Chair of Experts of the Specialized Technical Committee on Migration, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons reiterated that the STC on Migration, Refugees, and IDPs stands ready to accompany and support Member States in translating the insights from this report into actionable policies and strategies. "As we delve into the findings and recommendations of this report, we must seize this opportunity to reinforce the African Union's steadfast commitment to regional integration, as enshrined in Agenda 2063. By fostering a deeper understanding of migration patterns and their implications, we can better align our policies and practices to accelerate the realization of a united, prosperous, and inclusive Africa. Together, we can weave a tapestry of hope, unity, and shared prosperity for all Africans, regardless of their origins or destinations." said H.E. Mrs. Rose K. Sakala.
H.E. Mr. Pietro Mona, Ambassador of Switzerland to Djibouti as well as Permanent Representative to the AU, IGAD and UNECA as well as Mr. Mikael Cleverley, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., to the U.S. Mission to the African Union (USAU) and Acting Permanent Representative to the UNECA made remarks during the launch of 2nd Edition of the Africa Migration Report on the need to harness the opportunities of migration. The project is funded by the Human Security Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Switzerland and the United States Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration's Africa Mixed Migration Program.
Although migration data sources in the continent are fragmented, the report notes that considerable progress has been achieved in recent years to enhance the availability and quality of migration and human mobility data. In the face of new complexities and crises, the report further emphasizes the need to build on existing data including through strengthening coordination between stakeholders at the national, regional, and continental level to inform anticipatory actions and foresight.
The report also places emphasis on government commitments to protect the welfare of migrants and to coordinate migration policies on the continent. Many of these policies fall under the auspices of the 'Revised Migration Policy Framework for Africa' adopted in 2018 as a framework to guide African Union Member States and regional economic communities in the management of migration.
While acknowledging the potential of Africa's regional cooperation initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the report highlights the intricate nature of human mobility on the continent, calling for a welfare-centric approach in the management of mobility.
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The second edition of the African Migration Report builds on the findings of the first edition, Challenging the Narrative, released in 2020, which found that contrary to popular belief internal migration on the continent surpasses external migration.
Both reports continue to emphasize the role of well-crafted government policies in managing human mobility, particularly in light of constraints experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The AUC and the IOM have been collaborating on migration-related issues for over twenty years, working together to develop frameworks to help govern mobility on the continent and to assist member states to effectively manage migration.
The 2nd Edition of the Africa Migration Report focuses on "Connecting the threads: Linking policy, practice & the welfare of the African migrant" is available at: https://au.int/en/documents/20240326/africa-migration-report-second-edition
