Discovery

Discovery

Cultures, territories and migration journeys across the African continent.

Pape Demba Sow narrates perilous emigration experience to rebirth in native Saint-Louis
Discovery

Pape Demba Sow narrates perilous emigration experience to rebirth in native Saint-Louis

Migrating in search of a better future, surviving a perilous journey, and rebuilding his life on solid foundations… Pape Demba Sow’s story is a testament to resilience and the power to transform suffering into renewal. His journey, marked by shattered dreams and personal rebirth, proves that it is possible to stay home and succeed. Pape …

Rural exodus jeopardises agriculture in southern Chad
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Rural exodus jeopardises agriculture in southern Chad

Once animated by the hum of ploughs and the songs of farmers, the fertile lands of Ndakonon now lie eerily silent. Located about 80 kilometers from Sarh, the capital of Moyen-Chari province in southern Chad, Ndakonon, is experiencing the damaging effects of a widespread phenomenon: rural exodus. As young and able-bodied residents leave in search …

“Ana Sama Xarit?” : a Senegalese radio series giving another voice to migration
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“Ana Sama Xarit?” : a Senegalese radio series giving another voice to migration

And what if we talked about migration differently? This is the successful bet of the radio series “Ana sama xarit? Ci yoonu tukki yi” (Where is my friend? On the routes of migration), a creation by the Ëpoukay studio. It takes us on a journey through dreams of America, visa processes, hopes of departure, and the often …

Explaining risks associated with irregular migration to young people
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Explaining risks associated with irregular migration to young people

In Togo and many other West African countries, many young people dream of a better future in Europe or elsewhere. Confronted with unemployment, job insecurity and daily hardships, some see leaving – regardless of the cost – as their only option. However, despite being driven by hope, irregular migration remains one of the most dangerous …

Foreign communities in Burkina Faso host cultural event to celebrate diversity integration
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Foreign communities in Burkina Faso host cultural event to celebrate diversity integration

The “Journées des communautés étrangères vivant dans le pays” (Foreign communities living in Burkina Faso Days) were recently held in Burkina Faso on 12 and 13 May 2025 at the National Museum in Ouagadougou. This event aimed to promote integration and cohesion between the various foreign communities and the people of Burkina Faso. This year, …

Deconstructing harmful language on migration
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Deconstructing harmful language on migration

Some words and phrases used to describe migrants can be perceived as frustrating or stigmatising. They often conjure up dehumanising stereotypes and emphasise supposed differences, further marginalising these people. These terms are criticised for portraying migrants as a threat. This factsheet lists terms that Amnesty International considers inappropriate or in need of clarification. It recommends …

Migration, hospitality and local tensions: lessons from Kenya on the challenges of refugee integration in Africa
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Migration, hospitality and local tensions: lessons from Kenya on the challenges of refugee integration in Africa

In northern Kenya, a local protest is bringing to light the complex migration dilemmas confronting much of the African continent. At the heart of the debate is the Shirika Plan, a government initiative aimed at integrating refugees into host communities. Yet despite President William Ruto’s promises, leaders of the Turkana community are raising concerns of …

How gender relations shape migration experiences around the world
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How gender relations shape migration experiences around the world

“How do gender relations shape migration experiences around the world? is a question that lies at the heart of current debates on international migration.This article explores the critical links between gender and migration, analysing the specific dynamics of women’s migration and the unique challenges faced by migrant women globally. It examines how gender roles and …

Benin, cradle of Vodun and crossroads of migrations
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Benin, cradle of Vodun and crossroads of migrations

Benin is known worldwide as the land of Vodun. Since 1993, the country has celebrated the Vodun Festival each year on January 10. Beginning in 2024, the celebration was expanded into a multi-day event called Vodun Days. Benin’s global reputation in this regard has not developed by chance, rather, it is the result of a …

Influx of Sudanese refugees has reshaped eastern Chad regions
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Influx of Sudanese refugees has reshaped eastern Chad regions

The humanitarian situation in eastern Chad is reaching a critical point. The provinces of Ouaddaï, Wadi Fira and Sila are now hosting nearly one million people fleeing the war in Sudan. Yet even before this massive influx, joint assessments by the Chadian government and humanitarian organisations indicated that two out of three people in these …

Chad, a African crossroads and starting point
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Chad, a African crossroads and starting point

Migration remains a dominant topic in global news, sparking political debate and raising pressing humanitarian concerns. At the heart of these movements lies a common quest, which is the search for better living conditions. Economic hardship, climate change, political instability and high unemployment are just a few of the factors driving many Chadians to leave …

Dream of a borderless Africa amid migration routes’ ordeal
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Dream of a borderless Africa amid migration routes’ ordeal

Intra-African migration is by no means a new phenomenon. Every year, countless numbers of Africans move across borders for work, family or educational purposes. Yet behind the appealing vision of a continent united by free movement agreements lies a far more complicated reality, marked by economic, bureaucratic and even psychological barriers. In this article, three …