By Emmanuel Nduka
The United Nations (UN) has expressed worry over the relentless behavior of African migrants and asylum seekers of wanting to enter Europe at all cost, despite the hazards that await them en route.
The UN says it has registered more than 350,000 Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers protections in North Africa this year alone, with 97,000 migrants entering Libya since last April.
“It is important to highlight that the challenges do not start in North Africa. A holistic cross-regional response is required that starts at the root of the journeys,” Director of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sivanka Dhanapala said recently while briefing the UN Security Council.
Dhanapala said between January and August this year, it is estimated that over 134,000 refugees and migrants departed by sea from North and West Africa towards Europe, a slight decrease from the previous year.
While briefing the council also, Par Liljert, Director of the International Organization for Migration acknowledged the factors that drive individuals to leave their homes, and the severe challenges of navigating migration routes which needs “firm and urgent action”.
Illegal migration from Africa to Europe is a complex issue driven by various factors, including economic hardship, political instability, conflict, and climate change.
Many migrants undertake perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea, often facing exploitation and dangerous conditions.
Key routes include the Central Mediterranean Route which connects from North African countries like Libya to Italy. Then there is the Western Mediterranean Route from Morocco to Spain, and the Eastern Mediterranean Route from Turkey to Greece, though primarily involving Middle Eastern migrants.
Heritage Times HT reports that efforts to manage migration Africa overtime has included increased border security, agreements with transit countries, and humanitarian responses.
But the measures often lead to human rights concerns and debates over the responsibilities of European nations versus those of African states.
The situation remains dynamic, influenced by changing political landscapes and global developments.
