South Africa Backs AU Talks On Orderly Migration

South Africa has backed African Union discussions on migration, saying the continent needs a coordinated approach that addresses the causes of irregular movement while protecting each country’s right to enforce its immigration laws.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said the debate should focus on migration that is orderly, regular and lawful, rather than single out one country. The discussion is relevant to Nigerians who live, work or travel elsewhere in Africa, where border rules and the treatment of migrants remain practical concerns.

Lamola said the AU’s Protocol on Free Movement of Persons provides for a common and regulated approach to Africans’ ability to travel, work and live across the continent. He said the framework also points to coordinated migration management, stronger border systems and efforts against human trafficking.

He said governments have the right to enforce immigration laws, but added that irregular migration should be handled humanely by authorised law-enforcement agencies rather than private groups. South Africa would continue engaging African partners and would welcome an AU fact-finding mission, he said.

The minister said the issue is expected to feature in engagements around the AU Executive Council meeting this week. He also said talks with Ghana had reaffirmed bilateral ties, while concerns remained about violence linked to migration protests and people impersonating officials.

Source: SAnews