South Africa has reiterated its opposition to attempts to single it out over migration-related challenges, calling instead for a comprehensive continent-wide conference to address the root causes of migration; examine migration; improve mobility across Africa and address the challenges associated with irregular migration.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said migration is a continental phenomenon that requires a collective, evidence-based response rather than discussions that focus solely on one country.
Briefing the media in Pretoria on Wednesday on the outcomes of the recent 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, Lamola said South Africa welcomed the Council's decision not to place migration on the agenda of the AU mid-term review meeting.
Instead, South Africa continues to support the implementation of a 2015 AU decision calling for a continent-wide migration conference.
“Following a decision by the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union's 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 AU to convene a continent-wide conference on migration,” Lamola said.
The Minister said the proposal adopted during the 25th AU Assembly held in Johannesburg in 2015 remains the appropriate platform to examine migration, improve mobility across Africa and address the challenges associated with irregular migration.
“The 25th AU Assembly, which was held in Johannesburg in 2015, called for an African migration conference to consider approaches to accelerate mobility and development within the continent, while addressing the challenges posed by increased irregular migration and strengthening capacity to manage migration flows. South Africa supports the implementation of this decision,” he said.
Isolation attempts
Responding to questions from journalists after the briefing, Lamola said South Africa would continue advocating for a comprehensive continental discussion on migration rather than allowing the issue to be framed as uniquely South African.
“We raised our view that any discussion on this matter must be comprehensive, dealing with the pull factors, the root causes of illegal migration... climate change, economic peace and stability, democracy in a comprehensive manner. There is no discussion that will be helpful that will just focus on South Africa, because we are not the only country facing a migration challenge.”
He said nearly 45% of Africans live outside their countries of origin, largely out of necessity rather than choice, making migration a shared continental issue.
“What we are disagreeing with is to isolate it and make it a South Africa phenomenon... If you just want to put it on an agenda and say xenophobia in South Africa, what will happen is that South Africa will be almost likely in some kind of court or inquiry where we must go there and defend ourselves. What will be the conclusion of such a meeting? It will be a zero-sum game.”
Instead, Lamola said the African Union should revive and implement the migration conference resolution adopted in Johannesburg in 2015.
“The African Union, in its wisdom, took a resolution in 2015 and said it calls for a comprehensive conference on migration. That is what the African Union should do. We don't have a complex task; it's already there. It's just to dust it off from the shelves and put it on the table for implementation.”
He added that South Africa would continue cooperating with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, which is expected to visit the country to engage on migration-related issues.
Holistic approach
Lamola said South Africa believes migration cannot be separated from broader developmental challenges confronting the continent.
He said discussions should encompass peace and security, economic development, climate change, democratic governance, and regional integration while also addressing the drivers of anti-migrant sentiment.
“It must consider migration's relationship with peace and stability, economic development, regional integration and democratic governance.
“It must 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 Minister said.
He said the urgency of such a discussion is underscored by growing migration trends across Africa.
According to research cited by the Minister, nearly six in every 10 Africans between the ages of 18 and 25 have considered emigrating in search of better opportunities.
He noted that migration within Africa remains significant, with more than half of Africans living outside their home countries and choosing to settle elsewhere on the continent.
South Africa, Egypt and Côte d'Ivoire continue to receive the largest share of these intra-African migrants.
At the same time, Lamola said research points to increasing negative attitudes towards migrants across Africa and globally, driven in part by economic hardship.
AU mandates
Lamola also updated member states on several continental responsibilities assigned to South Africa.
The country continues to serve as Chair of the Committee of Five (C5) on South Sudan and as Chair of the Ministerial Follow-Up Committee responsible for implementing Agenda 2063.
“We appraised the AU Member States on several tasks assigned to the Republic of South Africa by the Summit and its attendant structures.”
Lamola said South Africa's leadership has focused on strengthening accountability, accelerating implementation and mobilising sustainable financing for the continent's long-term development agenda.
“During our chairship, we have noted a growing continental commitment to strengthening accountability, accelerating implementation, and mobilizing sustainable financing for Africa's transformation agenda, while acknowledging the challenges that remain,” he said.
As part of this work, South Africa has recommended that the AU undertake a feasibility study into establishing an Agenda 2063 Development Fund.
“The proposed Fund must complement existing African financing institutions; avoid duplication of mandates; and establish clear governance and accountability structures.”
Support for South Sudan elections
On South Sudan, Lamola urged the international community to support preparations for credible and inclusive elections under the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
“With regards to the upcoming elections in South Sudan, as chair of the C5, we encourage the international community to assist South Sudan to reach the important milestone of having an election which is inclusive and realistically meets the requirements of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.
“Only a credible and inclusive election can bring long-lasting peace, security and prosperity for the people of South Sudan,” he said.
Peace and security
Lamola welcomed the decision to convene an Extraordinary AU Summit on conflict prevention and resolution in Luanda, Angola, later this month.
He said the summit would provide an opportunity for African leaders to strengthen the principle of African solutions to African problems.
“South Africa welcomes the decision to convene an Extraordinary Summit of the African Union on the strengthening of mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution in Africa from 29 – 30 August in Luanda, Angola.
“This will allow the continent to give practical expression to the principle of African solutions for African problems,” he said.
The Minister said the worsening conflict in Sudan remains one of the continent's most pressing concerns.
“The conflict in Sudan has become more than just a humanitarian catastrophe - it is one of the biggest moral failures in our lifetime.
“South Africa will use this platform as a critical opportunity to mobilise the continent towards a structured intervention,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
