Discovery

Discovery

Cultures, territories and migration journeys across the African continent.

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Over 34,000 shattered destinies in 2025 at Assamaka dessert terminal
Discovery

Over 34,000 shattered destinies in 2025 at Assamaka dessert terminal

The village of Assamaka, a border post situated in the vast expanse of the Nigerien Sahara, has evolved from a mere transit point. In 2025, it became the epicentre of an unprecedented migration crisis. Statistics documented by the organisation Alarme Phone Sahara (APS) reveal a stark reality: 34,236 people were pushed back from Algeria to …

Understanding the rules governing human mobility under int’l migration law
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Understanding the rules governing human mobility under int’l migration law

Migration, immigration, emigration and migrants. These terms are now central to public and media debate. However, the international migration law that governs these widely discussed human realities remains largely unknown to the general public. This fact sheet sheds light on this essential concept, its foundations and principles, and the people it affects. According to the …

Handball’s growing appeal in Benin
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Handball’s growing appeal in Benin

The number of international player transfers shows how attractive handball sport has become. In Benin, as with other sports, professional handball is evolving and gaining recognition. By 2025, more than fifty foreign athletes had joined clubs competing in Benin’s professional handball championship. This trend reflects the country’s growing appeal among key stakeholders in African handball. …

Ensuring safety, dignity, rights throughout migration journey
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Ensuring safety, dignity, rights throughout migration journey

Women and young people account for a significant share of migration flows across Africa. While many actively shape their own mobility decisions and contribute to the social and economic development of their communities, they often face heightened risks of exploitation, discrimination and violence throughout the migration journey. These challenges can arise at every stage, from …

2026 World Cup, an unusual situation for some countries amid bans
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2026 World Cup, an unusual situation for some countries amid bans

The 2026 World Cup, which is to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature a new format. Rather than the 32 teams that have competed in recent editions, 48 teams will compete this time. This expansion means more nations, particularly from Africa, will have the chance to qualify for the tournament. …

Difference between forced refugees, voluntary refugees and internally displaced persons
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Difference between forced refugees, voluntary refugees and internally displaced persons

Forced refugees, voluntary refugees and internally displaced persons are terms often used everyday. While experts are familiar with their definitions, characteristics and specific features, they remain unclear to many people. This fact sheet aims to clarify these concepts to improve understanding. Refugees Who is a refugee? This question urges to explore the definition from various …

Togolese artists, musicians’ mobility: opportunity or brain drain?
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Togolese artists, musicians’ mobility: opportunity or brain drain?

Art and music play a central role in Togolese identity, with artists playing an active part in shaping and transmitting national culture. This encompasses both traditional genres, such as agbaza, tchakpalé, and kamou and contemporary forms, including rap, Afrobeat, slam poetry, urban dance, photography, and visual arts. However, in recent years, many Togolese artists have …

Entering, staying and travelling:  comprehensive guide to travel formalities in Niger
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Entering, staying and travelling:  comprehensive guide to travel formalities in Niger

Venturing into Niger requires more than a desire for discovery. Before exploring its unique landscapes and age-old traditions, you must engage in a rigorous process in which every formality plays a decisive role. Passports, visas and international vaccination certificates are all part of a framework designed to ensure security, order and compliance. From the moment …

Does diaspora money make a difference to develop in Niger?
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Does diaspora money make a difference to develop in Niger?

The southern regions of Tahoua and Zinder in Niger reveal two contrasting aspects of migration. According to a report by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), this phenomenon, driven primarily by young men seeking opportunities, has a profound impact on local economic and social life. While migrating to Libya, Nigeria or Algeria is a common …

Africa Cup of Nations as  catalyst for social cohesion in Nouakchott
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Africa Cup of Nations as  catalyst for social cohesion in Nouakchott

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Nouakchott has attracted far more than just football fans. Over the course of several weeks, public match screenings have provided a platform for a social cohesion initiative led by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Mauritanian non-governmental organisation Innovation for Development, and supported by the European …

Climate migration in Africa: myth or reality?
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Climate migration in Africa: myth or reality?

The issue of climate migration, i.e. human movement linked to the effects of climate change, is a topic of increasing debate in political, scientific and humanitarian circles. While some regard it as a theoretical hypothesis or an alarmist discourse, others see it as a tangible reality, with millions of Africans being forced to move within …

From forced exile to statelessness: the never-ending struggle of Chadian activist, Makaila N’Guebla
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From forced exile to statelessness: the never-ending struggle of Chadian activist, Makaila N’Guebla

The man is involved in countless endeavours. His life has never been smooth sailing. From Chad to France, via Tunisia, Senegal and Guinea-Conakry, human rights defender Makaila N’guebla has suffered a real ordeal. Hunted by the N’Djamena regime for over a decade, expelled from Tunisia and Senegal, and finally welcomed in Guinea before finding refuge …