The Knowledge Monitoring and Evaluation Department (KME) at the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) through the African Community of Practice on Management for Development Results program (AfCOP- MfDR) would like to invite you to join the Online Discussion about the ongoing Mediterranean migrant crisis: roots and implications for Africa.
The Mediterranean Sea is turning into a curse to the world in light of the ongoing migrant crisis in which thousands of lives have been lost trying to cross into Western Europe. This is becoming especially worrying for Africa whose citizens constitute a large proportion of migrants losing lives in this venture. About 2,643 people have died trying to cross this Sea in 2015 alone, according to International Organization for Migration (IOM). African leadership and organizations must not turn a blind eye on this; otherwise it cannot build a prosperous future.
- What is the main root cause of Mediterranean Sea migrant crisis?
- Why are African young people so desperate to leave their countries? Why the surge in the recent years/times?
- Africa has historically been experiencing war conflicts, abuses, unemployment, and poverty. What are the main drivers behind the present crisis?
- What are the local/indigenous beliefs and explanations associated with the crisis?
- What are the short and long term socio-economic implications of this crisis to the African countries especially most affected countries?
- Are African governments and regional/ continental bodies doing enough to address this crisis?
- Why are African leaders rather silent about this migrants' crisis?
- Any specific examples of strategies an African country is putting in place to prevent its citizenry, especially the youth, from getting into this crisis?
- What is the role and importance of state and non-state bodies (NGOs, private sector, local communities, development partners, etc.) with respect to the issue?
- What initiatives, projects and programs (based on experiences) need to be in place at the local, national, regional and/or continental levels to efficiently tackle the issue? What is the role of continental, regional and national institutions?
- Is this problem pointing to some capacity gaps in achieving development goals?
- What are the capacity imperatives required to address this challenge sustainably on the continent?
Have ideas on how best to address these challenges? We are seeking your perspectives and recommendations as to how we could contribute to addressing this catastrophe for sustainable development in Africa. Members who are unable to participate online could send their comments or case studies by email to the Moderator Dr. Bangura at shekabangs@gmail.com and or a.makawia@acbf-pact.org
