The issue of migration has been a contentious one, with the European Union attempting to restrict the number of arrivals on its soil, particularly from Africa. During her first visit to Africa in Addis Ababa in December 2019, European Union Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen indicated she was committed to implementation of EU-Africa cooperation on issues of migration. Her visit came at the heels of the signing in 2016 of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), which, according to experts, led to several African governments acquiescing in exchange for financial and political rewards to stop migrants from leaving their shores and to accept Europe’s deportations.
This CRRF and other “legal and operational instruments” between African countries and the EU,have been criticized as being conspicuously transactional. However, the African perspective on migration “goes well beyond a mere uncritical acceptance of the European border regime,” according to experts.
On April 4, the EU issued a statement announcing restrictive visa regimes for Ethiopians seeking to travel to Europe. The statement extended the visa issuance period to 45 days, up from the previous 15 days, and stipulated that Ethiopian officials would have to pay for visas like regular people and that visas, if issued, would only apply to a single destination.
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This decision has caused consternation within the Ethiopian government, which has expressed “dismay” at the EU statement and vowed to take “proportionate measures” in response, although the details of those measures remain unclear.
The diplomatic spat between the European Union and Ethiopia has sent shockwaves across the Ethiopian migrant communities in Europe, with some, especially those who entered Europe over the last couple of years, fearing forced deportation.
The restrictions are widely feared to come against the freedom of movement of people, which is an internationally enshrined human right.
To gain intellectual insights into the issue, The Reporter Magazine’s Addis Getachew approached Margaret Monyani (PhD), a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Security Studies (ISS) based in South Africa.
Below is the full text of the interview:
The Reporter Magazine– Since 2016, the European Union has sealed a pact (albeit an informal one) with African countries providing for the return by African governments of their respective citizens who are undocumented or dubbed simply as “illegal” migrants. As of late, Europe seems to have grown averse to migration. What do you make of this and what would the future be like for Africans living in Europe?
Margaret Monyani – The European Union’s informal pact with African countries, established since 2016, has significantly impacted migration dynamics. This pact, which facilitates the return of undocumented African migrants, reflects Europe’s increasing aversion to migration. Several factors contribute to this trend, including economic concerns, security fears, and political pressures within European countries. The rise of nationalist and populist movements has also played a role in shaping these restrictive policies, as governments respond to constituents’ fears about job competition and cultural integration.
For Africans living in Europe, the future appears uncertain and challenging. Those without legal documentation face the constant threat of deportation, which can lead to a sense of insecurity and instability. Even documented migrants may encounter heightened scrutiny, making it difficult to integrate fully into European societies. This environment can lead to increased marginalization and social exclusion, affecting access to employment, education, and social services. Moreover, the restrictive migration policies could exacerbate existing issues within Europe, such as labour shortages in certain sectors and demographic imbalances caused by an aging population. Migrants often fill essential roles in healthcare, agriculture, and other industries that native populations are less inclined to work in. By limiting migration, Europe risks creating economic inefficiencies and stifling innovation.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for positive change. Advocacy and dialogue between European and African governments can lead to more balanced migration policies that respect human rights and acknowledge the benefits of migration. Additionally, African communities in Europe can continue to build networks of support and resilience, helping each other navigate the complexities of life in their host countries. Ultimately, a cooperative approach that addresses the root causes of migration and promotes fair and humane policies will be essential for shaping a better future for Africans in Europe.
What do you make of the recent diplomatic spat between the European Union and Ethiopia? The European Union announced a regime of restrictive visa issuance for Ethiopians (including visa fees for Ethiopian officials imposed) while Ethiopia said it would take “proportionate” counter measures.
The recent diplomatic spat between the European Union and Ethiopia over visa restrictions highlights the complexities and sensitivities inherent in international relations. The EU’s decision to impose a regime of restrictive visa issuance for Ethiopians, including increased visa fees for Ethiopian officials, marks a significant shift in its diplomatic stance. This move appears to be driven by broader concerns about migration, security, and geopolitical strategies, indicating a tougher stance on countries perceived as non-cooperative in managing migration flows.
Ethiopia’s response, promising “proportionate” countermeasures, underscores its dissatisfaction and readiness to defend its sovereignty and national interests. Such reciprocal actions can escalate tensions and disrupt cooperation on various fronts, including trade, development aid, and regional security initiatives.
This diplomatic friction not only affects government-to-government relations but also has practical implications for ordinary citizens, businesses, and academic exchanges.
For instance, restrictive visa policies can hinder Ethiopian students’ access to European educational institutions, limiting their opportunities for academic growth and cross-cultural exchange. Business travelers may also face increased difficulties, impacting trade and investment flows between Ethiopia and Europe. Furthermore, the diplomatic row could affect joint efforts in addressing regional security challenges, such as counter-terrorism and peacekeeping missions in the Horn of Africa.
Resolving such disputes requires a careful balance of diplomacy, mutual respect, and dialogue. Both parties need to engage in constructive negotiations to address underlying concerns and find common ground. Building trust and understanding through sustained diplomatic engagement can help prevent future conflicts and promote a more stable and cooperative international environment. Ultimately, fostering a relationship based on mutual benefit and respect for each other’s sovereignty will be crucial for maintaining long-term stability and cooperation between the European Union and Ethiopia.
Why should Africa find itself tied in a transactional agreement with Europe in the first place whereby Europe offers money in return for African governments facilitating return of their citizens from Europe.
Africa’s involvement in transactional agreements with Europe, where financial incentives are provided in exchange for the facilitation of migrant returns, raises significant ethical and strategic questions.
These agreements often reflect Europe’s desire to manage migration flows by externalizing its border control responsibilities to African nations. While such arrangements may bring short-term financial benefits to African governments, they can also perpetuate dependency and undermine the sovereignty and autonomy of African countries in managing their migration policies.
From an ethical perspective, these agreements can be seen as problematic because they commodify human beings, treating migrants as bargaining chips in international negotiations. This transactional approach fails to address the root causes of migration, such as economic disparity, political instability, and environmental degradation. Instead of creating sustainable solutions, it shifts the burden onto African countries, which may already be grappling with their own socio-economic challenges.
Furthermore, these agreements can strain relationships between African governments and their citizens. The forced return of migrants can lead to social unrest, as returning individuals may face stigmatization, unemployment, and a lack of reintegration support. This situation can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and contribute to a cycle of poverty and migration.
To create a more equitable and effective approach to migration, it is crucial to focus on genuine partnerships that prioritize development and human rights. Collaborative efforts should aim to address the structural drivers of migration by investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities within African countries. By fostering sustainable development, the need for migration can be reduced, benefiting both African nations and Europe.
Additionally, international frameworks that respect the dignity and rights of migrants should be established. This includes ensuring safe and legal pathways for migration, protecting migrants’ rights, and promoting integration policies that facilitate mutual benefit. A holistic and rights-based approach to migration can create a more just and sustainable system for all parties involved.
There are many Africans who would want to travel to Europe to do business, to learn at European universities and a host of other purposes. Can such restrictive policies by Europe not be seen as major human rights infringement in this regard?
The restrictive migration policies implemented by Europe can be viewed as significant infringements on the rights of Africans who seek to travel for various legitimate purposes.
These policies limit access to opportunities in education, business, and cultural exchange, which are fundamental human rights enshrined in international agreements. By imposing stringent visa requirements and limiting mobility, Europe effectively curtails the potential for Africans to contribute to and benefit from global knowledge and economic systems.
For many Africans, the opportunity to study at European universities represents a chance to gain high-quality education and skills that can be instrumental in driving development in their home countries. Restrictive policies hinder these prospects, creating barriers to educational advancement and professional growth. This not only affects individuals but also limits the potential for capacity building and knowledge transfer that could benefit African societies as a whole.
Similarly, business travelers and entrepreneurs face significant challenges due to restrictive visa regimes. The ability to engage in international trade, attend business conferences, and establish cross-border partnerships is crucial for economic development. Europe’s restrictive policies can stifle entrepreneurial initiatives, reduce market access, and inhibit economic growth in both regions. Moreover, such policies can perpetuate inequality and reinforce negative stereotypes about African migrants. They contribute to a narrative that views migration predominantly as a security threat rather than an opportunity for mutual enrichment and development.
This perspective overlooks the positive contributions that migrants can make to host societies, including filling labour shortages, fostering innovation, and enriching cultural diversity.
To address these issues, Europe should consider adopting more balanced and humane migration policies that recognize the rights and aspirations of individuals. Facilitating legal and transparent pathways for migration, promoting mobility for education and business, and ensuring fair treatment of migrants are essential steps. By doing so, Europe can uphold its commitment to human rights and contribute to global development and stability.
What innovative solution could there be to address the problem?
Addressing the challenges of migration requires innovative, multifaceted solutions. One approach is to invest in comprehensive development programs in African countries, focusing on economic growth, education, and infrastructure. By improving local opportunities, the pressure to migrate decreases. Additionally, creating legal migration pathways for skilled and unskilled workers can help manage migration flows effectively. Regional cooperation and partnerships between African and European nations are crucial, emphasizing mutual benefits and shared responsibilities.
