The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has expressed concern over the increasing trend of irregular migration among youths from the subregion seeking better opportunities in Europe and other developed countries.
During the 2024 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, Speaker Memounatou Ibrahima highlighted the urgent need to address this issue.
Ibrahima pointed out that many youths emigrate through dangerous and irregular means, emphasizing that strategies must be adopted to stop this perilous trend.
She called on Members of Parliament to propose initiatives that invest in the skills and capacities of West African youth, aiming to harness their potential for the subregion’s development.
This exodus, often referred to as the ‘Japa Syndrome’ in Nigeria, has resulted in a significant loss of skilled youth from Africa to Europe and other developed nations.
Ibrahima’s remarks followed a presentation by Teresa Boteli, Policy and Liaison Officer of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Boteli discussed the hazardous journeys African youth undertake to reach Europe and North America, exposing themselves to severe risks such as human trafficking, exploitation, and death.
In 2023 alone, an estimated 5,000 migrant deaths were recorded.
While migrants contribute to cultural exchange and diversity, Boteli noted that they also encounter significant challenges regarding integration, discrimination, and legal obstacles in their destination countries.
According to the IOM’s 2023 report, approximately 300,000 West African migrants use perilous routes through the Sahara Desert and across the Mediterranean Sea annually.
The ECOWAS Parliament’s call for action underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to invest in youth skills development, aiming to create opportunities within the subregion and reduce the urge for dangerous migrations.