Following a decision by the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s (AU) Executive Council not to discuss migration at the upcoming AU mid-term review meeting, South Africa reaffirms its support for the long-standing decision of the African Union to convene a continent-wide conference on migration.
The 25th African Union Assembly held in Johannesburg in 2015 called for an African migration conference to discuss, among others, approaches to accelerate mobility and development within the continent while also addressing the challenges posed by increased irregular migration and developing capacity to manage migration flows within the continent.
South Africa supports the implementation of this decision and believes that a continent-wide convening on migration should consider migration holistically, including its relationship with peace and stability, economic development, regional integration and democratic governance. It should also provide space for Member States to discuss the root causes of anti-migrant sentiment and develop a collective continental approach to preventing violence, discrimination, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance.
The need for this dialogue has become increasingly urgent. Migration is a continental phenomenon whose consequences extend beyond the jurisdiction of any single state. The urgency is further underscored by recent research indicating that almost six in 10 Africans aged between 18 and 25 have considered emigrating, primarily in search of better opportunities. At the same time, African migration remains predominantly intracontinental, with most African international migrants moving to another country on the continent. Research also points to growing negative attitudes towards migrants across the continent and globally, driven in part by prevailing economic hardship.
Although Africa has participated in discussions on migration with other regions of the world, the continent has yet to convene a comprehensive forum of its own at which Member States can collectively examine Africa’s migration challenges and opportunities. Such a conference would provide a platform for African countries to exchange experiences, reflect on best practices, share lessons and develop cooperative responses grounded in the continent’s unique circumstances.
“Attacks on migrants of African descent, and on migrants generally, are an affront to our democracy and a betrayal of our Constitution’s promise to build a society founded on human dignity, social justice and fundamental human rights. The South African Government is seized with this matter and is coordinating efforts to ensure that those responsible for assault, intimidation, looting, robbery and other criminal acts face the full might of the law,” said Minister Lamola.
We believe that a lasting solution to migration pressures cannot be achieved through selective approaches that single out or denigrate individual Member States. It requires honest dialogue about the push and pull factors driving movement in countries of origin, transit and destination as well as the responsibilities that all states must discharge.
South Africa remains firmly committed to Pan-Africanism and African solidarity. The collective concerns, interests and aspirations of the continent remain at the heart of South Africa’s foreign policy and identity as a democracy. This commitment is demonstrated through South Africa’s efforts to advance peace and stability, economic integration, pandemic preparedness and a just response to Africa’s debt burden. It is the path South Africa has consistently followed and will continue to tread.
Enquiries: Spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: Mr Chrispin Phiri
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