In Cotonou, Benin’s bustling economic capital, migration has quietly shaped local communities for decades. From neighbouring West African countries to Central Africa, people on the move have brought with them diverse cultures, challenges and opportunities for cohabitation. At the heart of this dynamic lies the Centre Sportif Municipal Soweto, where migrants and locals meet, play […]
Many young graduates from neighbouring countries – as well as from across West and Central Africa – come to Benin to pursue their university education. There are several reasons behind this choice. Dialogue Migration met with some of these students in Cotonou to learn why they chose this West African country for their studies. There […]
Mélanie is a Niamey-based caterer who skillfully blends family heritage with a measured entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up in the Poudrière district, she learned the traditional art of Dokounou* from her mother. Daughter of a war veteran, Mélanie has combined academic studies, internships and early business ventures to forge a truly authentic career path. In the […]
In today’s digital age, social networks are shaping the dreams, ambitions and perceptions of an entire generation. In Togo and many other West African countries, thousands of young people log on to platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube each day to follow the lives of those who have crossed borders. They are presented with […]
A native of Koumra in southern Chad, Migo Natolban is a prominent figure in the African diaspora in Canada. Since arriving in Canada twenty years ago, he has established himself as a broadcaster, writer, media entrepreneur and founder of the web radio station Réseau des Citoyens (Citizen Network). Réseau des Citoyens was created as a […]
Matar Diouf, a young Senegalese man, recounts his difficult journey, marked by several attempts to enter Spain – from rough seas to aggressive checks by Moroccan police – which ended in his return home after quite traumatic experiences. Caught between hope and disillusionment, his story highlights the complexity and dangers of irregular migration. What were […]
