Migration Of West African Youths A Symptom Of Other Problems…President, ECOWAS Commission
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
An estimated 300,000 West African migrants according to a report by the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, use perilous routes through the Sahara Desert and across the Mediterranean Sea annually, despite dangers such as human trafficking, exploitation, and loss of life associated with irregular migration.
Migration of West African youth across the seas, particularly towards Europe, has become a prominent issue over the past decade regardless of the dangers.
This movement, the President of the Economic Community of West African States, Commission, Dr Omar Touray says is the symptom of other problems in the region including economic, political, security and environmental factors.
The 2022 ECOWAS Annual Report on Migration shows persistent political instability and internal conflicts in the region, as major causes of displacement and migration which is tied to the effects of nature and climate change as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported in 2023 that severe droughts in Niger and flooding in coastal areas of Senegal, have disrupted livelihoods and prompted migration.
The Policy and Liaison Officer of IOM, Teresa Botella, corroborated this when she came calling at the ongoing first ordinary session of the sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament holding in Abuja.
After her presentation, the parliamentarians where full of questions and the coming of the ECOWAS Commission’s President at a later date, was an opportunity to seek answers to their questions.
Dr. Touray, however urged the MPs to take action rather than set goals as the severe impact of insecurity on citizens’ rights to affordable living conditions, necessitated the “disaster” that had hindered subregional economic growth.
To end irregular migration, he said there is a dire need for robust youth initiatives to boost peace, security, job creation, infrastructure and economic growth in the Sahel region.
For this, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has established several initiatives to empower and engage the youth across its member states.
Some of the notable programmes include:
ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC): this has its headquarters in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and a specialised agency responsible for youth and sports development within the ECOWAS region.
It serves as a permanent institutional framework to promote youth engagement in the regional integration process through various activities and programs.
ECOWAS Youth Policy and Strategic Action Plan: This 10-year plan aims to promote youth development and empowerment across West Africa it was adopted in 2016, and focuses on education and training, employment and entrepreneurship, health and well-being, peace and security, and governance and participation.
The plan addresses challenges such as high unemployment rates and limited access to education by setting out strategies to overcome these issues.
ECOWAS Youth Parliament (EYP): The EYP serves as a platform to bolster the knowledge base of the youth population in West Africa regarding ECOWAS programs.
It promotes dialogue and engages young people in policy advocacy and decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard in regional matters.
ECOWAS Volunteer Programme (EVP): This was initiated in 2004, the EVP harnesses the skills and expertise of qualified citizens to serve as volunteers and change agents. Volunteers contribute to the economic and social development of their host communities, fostering regional integration and solidarity.
ECOWAS Youth Empowerment Programme: This initiative mobilises youths for positive human capital development and conflict prevention.
It focuses on equipping young people with the necessary skills and opportunities to contribute effectively to the region’s development and stability.
Immersion Programme for Young Graduates in ECOWAS Institutions: This targets young graduates aged 32 or younger from the 15 ECOWAS member states, it offers participants the chance to be part of the regional integration process.
They contribute to significant projects that shape the future of West Africa, gaining valuable experience and insights.
A good coordination of these programmes collectively aim to empower the youth, fostering their active participation in the socio-economic and political spheres of the ECOWAS region and would assist in curbing the japa syndrome in the region.
