IOM calls for rethink of migration narratives in West, Central Africa

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has called for a shift in the way migration is understood and governed in West and Central Africa, urging policymakers to move beyond oversimplified narratives and embrace evidence-based approaches. Speaking at the launch of a new report titled Mobility and Migration in West and Central Africa: Rethinking Narratives and […]

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has called for a shift in the way migration is understood and governed in West and Central Africa, urging policymakers to move beyond oversimplified narratives and embrace evidence-based approaches.

Speaking at the launch of a new report titled Mobility and Migration in West and Central Africa: Rethinking Narratives and Reshaping Policies, IOM Regional Director Sylvia Ekra said, “Migration and mobility are key factors in the region’s history and future. Our data shows clearly that mobility shapes community resilience, cross-border economies, and regional stability.”

The report highlights that over 77% of the estimated 11.3 million migrants in the region are originally from another country within it, challenging the common perception that most migration is directed toward Europe or the Global North.

Countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Chad host the highest numbers of regional migrants, while Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigeria are key countries of origin.

Most migrants are young, unemployed men seeking economic opportunities, though 22% of those interviewed were women migrating for family or financial reasons.

Across 26 flow monitoring points, 72% of respondents cited employment as their main reason for migrating, with agriculture, trade, crafts, mining, and services being the most common sectors.

The report also draws attention to the changing dynamics of pastoral transhumance, one of the region’s oldest forms of mobility.

Insecurity, climate shocks, and urbanisation are disrupting traditional routes, with over 5,000 alerts related to transhumance incidents recorded in 2024 alone.

“This is a signal that our approaches for governing and managing this type of mobility ought to be revisited,” the report states, calling for improved data systems and investment in local conflict resolution mechanisms.

Border areas, which account for a significant share of mobility, are identified as zones of both economic potential and vulnerability.

The report advocates for innovative border governance and targeted investment to unlock their development potential.