Navigating Forced Migration: Scholars Spotlight Africa's Complexities
In a recent session of the Refocus Online Summer Seminar Series, experts delved into the intricate dynamics of forced migration in Africa, focusing on responses to coups and conflict. Chaired by Prof. Mary Boatemaa Setrana, Director of the Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana and the IDRC Research Chair on Forced Displacement in Anglophone West Africa, the seminar brought together renowned speakers to discuss pressing issues.
Dr. Alain Tiga Ouedraogo, an expert on forced migration in West Africa, highlighted the escalating instability in the region due to conflicts and coups. He stressed the necessity for collaborative and humanitarian strategies to address migration challenges, advocating for a reevaluation of institutional frameworks and legal tools. "We must rethink how we approach forced migration to ensure effective solutions," Dr. Ouedraogo emphasized.
Assistant Professor in the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Dr. Stephanie Schwartz's presentation focused on the complexities of repatriation and forced returns in East Africa. She expressed concerns about the voluntariness and sustainability of refugee return, especially in conflict zones. "Forced returns can inadvertently fuel tensions and create new conflicts," Dr. Schwartz warned, urging for cautious and rights-based approaches in repatriation policies.
Senior Protection Officer at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Allehone Abebe, who doubles as a diplomat and doctoral researcher on migration and displacement in Africa, contributed insights into refugee return scenarios from Sudan to South Sudan and Burundi to Tanzania.
He stressed the significance of comprehensive approaches rooted in human rights principles. "Protecting the rights of displaced populations is paramount in any migration strategy," Abebe emphasized, shedding light on the challenges and implications of refugee returns in conflict-ridden areas.
Prof. Setrana, in her opening remarks, underscored the urgency of addressing forced migration challenges in Africa. "Collaborative efforts and evidence-based policies are crucial in navigating the complexities of forced migration," she stated, detailing the role of academia and research in shaping effective solutions.
The seminar provided a platform for in-depth discussions on forced migration patterns and highlighted the critical need for humanitarian, rights-focused responses to protect vulnerable populations in Africa.
As the series continues, experts and scholars aim to contribute actionable insights to mitigate the impact of forced migration across the continent.