PSCC TALK: Migration management issues in the context of political and security crisis in the Sahel

For more than a decade, the countries of the Sahel have been experiencing profound political and security upheavals. Since 2020, there has been a resurgence of coups d'état, and several civilian leaders have been subjected to military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, further complicating an already fragile situation in a region plagued by terrorist violence and underdevelopment. In addition to the political, security, economic, and geopolitical challenges, the Sahel is also experiencing a mobility crisis affecting historically highly mobile populations. Due to prolonged crises, terrorism, community conflicts, the effects of climate change, lack of prospects for young people, and extreme poverty, the phenomenon of displacement has worsened, increasing the number of internally displaced people and refugees.

A cross-analysis of the context of security and political crisis  and its impact on migration is necessary to understand migration management and formulate practical recommendations.

Based on the two speeches given during the session, especially those by Dr Mariame Sidibé, Lecturer/Researcher and Expert in migration, conflicts, security, and gender, and Professor Brema Ely Dicko, Lecturer/Researcher and Specialist in migration, gender, and development, we can assess the current political and security situation in the Sahel. This assessment demonstrates significant changes in bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including the denouncement of numerous agreements on security, the economy, diplomacy, and migration, which has worsened the overall context in the region. Recently, there has been a surge in insecurity, as indicated by the terrorist attacks in Bamako in September 2024. Additionally, there is a critical humanitarian situation with millions of internally displaced people and refugees in Mali and Burkina Faso. This is due to the combined effects of terrorism, community conflicts, descent-based slavery, and the impacts of climate change, including recent floods in these countries. The repercussions of these events will be felt in the months ahead. As a result of the flooding, many households have been forced to relocate, and this year's harvest seems to be at risk. This could affect the displacement of affected communities and increase the number of internally and externally displaced people.

In the Sahel region, persistent crises, economic and humanitarian repercussions leading to a rise in human rights violations, and pre-existing challenges such as a lack of opportunities for young people and extreme poverty are creating increasing and permanent pressure on the region. Various factors have influenced mobility dynamics, leading to a discernible increase in internal, intra-regional, and intercontinental travel. Furthermore, the dissolution of the regional community (ECOWAS) and the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States have engendered inquiries and uncertainties regarding the future of the sub-region in terms of intra-regional mobility. These developments carry substantial implications for the geopolitical landscape and the movement of individuals within and between these regions. While the terms of this separation have not yet been defined, lingering concerns exist regarding its potential impact on mobility within the West African region. Notably, the region benefits from ECOWAS Protocol 79, an effective mechanism that facilitates the movement of people and goods within the community.

Furthermore, the absence of a cohesive strategy and harmonisation of migration policies presents a challenge for effectively addressing the issue in the sub-region. Despite the establishment of a migration policy by Mali in 1994 and it’s institutionalsation in 1991, the region still lags in effectively managing migration. In Niger, the law criminalising the transportation of migrants was repealed in 2015 following the coup d'état on 26 July. This has contributed to the creation of less safe passage corridors, with a sharp increase in migrant flows and the resumption of criminal activities linked to the transport and trafficking of migrants in the area, which is one of the most important crossing points for irregular migration.

For better migration governance, states should take a global and inclusive approach and avoid reactionary positions, as Africa remains marginalised in global migration strategies. Local solutions should be prioritised by leveraging individual country initiatives and organising a continental migration summit through the African Union. However, involving local communities in advocacy initiatives to address the migration issue is also essential. Information systems should be implemented to acquire current statistical data and better comprehend the needs and profile of migrants.

In terms of recommendations, the discussions highlighted some key elements to be implemented simultaneously for better management of the migration issue in the Sahel. These are mainly:

A. At the political and strategic level

• Breaking out of silos and provide a comprehensive, integrated package for migration management;
• Plan the migration strategically to avoid reactionary policies and no longer be on the sidelines of global migration strategies;
• Integrate and prioritise the migration issue in the debate on the future of the sub-region considering the emergence of the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES);
• Organise a continental summit on migration by A.U and strengthen intra-African cooperation on migration policy;
• Integrate gender and minors into migration and forced displacement treatment;
• Considering climate issues, which have a significant impact on mobility;
• Promote widespread communication on legal migration opportunities (studies, working holidays, etc.);
• Ensure better coordination of statistical data (IOM, DNDS, MMEIA, INSTAT) to have evidence to inform policy decisions.
• Promote scientific research and the diffusion of the work of African researchers on migration issues.

B. For forced internal migrants and refugees

• Strengthen the reception capacities of local authorities that have already received IDPs (emergency kits, development of sites of hope, provision of schooling for children, strengthening of health infrastructures, civil registry, site security, etc.);
• Facilitate the return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their communities of residence;
• Enhance the State's presence by actions and engaging in exchanges with camp coordinators;
• Ensure better coordination with the UNHCR.

C. For young people, women and their communities

• Contribute to local capacity building on forced and voluntary migration ;
• Improve access to information and community awareness of migration issues through local languages;
• Support vocational training and business creation for young people and women;
• Encourage and support civil society advocacy initiatives for more comprehensive and inclusive migration governance.

The discussions were moderated by Mr. Moussa Seydou Diallo, journalist, migration specialist and writer.