Discovery

Discovery

Cultures, territories and migration journeys across the African continent.

Explaining risks associated with irregular migration to young people
Discovery

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
Discovery

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 …

“Pémé”: a piece of jewel that connects Senegal and Niger
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“Pémé”: a piece of jewel that connects Senegal and Niger

In Ndiaganiao, a community in west-central Senegal, pémé known as carnelian in English, a traditional piece of jewellery, is far more than a simple accessory. At the heart of a vibrant cultural exchange, it has become a symbol of integration between Senegal and Niger, uniting communities through shared traditions and artistic expression. An ancestral ornament …

Devastating impact of forced climate migration
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Devastating impact of forced climate migration

The latest Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) from the World Economic Forum (WEF), published in January 2025, underscores the severe impact of climate change on African populations, particularly through forced migration. Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and heatwaves, once seen as distant threats, have become immediate and pressing concerns. These climate-related disasters are …

Insecurity, rescue operations, the migration dilemma in the Sahara
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Insecurity, rescue operations, the migration dilemma in the Sahara

The Sahara desert, vast and unforgiving, is far more than just a desert: it is the scene of poignant stories where courage and danger are intertwined. Crossing this vast terrain, thousands of migrants risk their lives in the face of unrelenting insecurity and overwhelming challenges. But in the midst of these ordeals, initiatives are emerging …