This publication presents contributions by international experts on various aspects of West African migration.

This publication presents contributions by international experts on various aspects of West African migration.

Presents a cross-cutting analysis of the main development challenges for the West African region and offers suggestions on how to meet them.

Research on West African migration has tended to focus on specific 'crisis migration' issues, such as trafficking, international refugee flows or irregular migration to Europe. This reflects rather Eurocentric policy priorities, since these forms of West African migration are actually relatively small in comparison with intra-regional migration. Indeed, for every 20 migrants who board trains and buses to West African destinations, only one will try to get on a boat to Europe. Therefore, the paper will focus on the migration from poorer to richer zones within the sub-region, specifically the composition of flows as well as ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) policy measures for mobility facilitation. Furthermore, the paper outlines future challenges and possibilities for West African migration, with West African nation states having experienced a demographic shock, high unemployment, and thus increased mobility pressures (both intra- and extra-regional). The analysis leads to a conclusion of why the European Union - based on a developmental perspective - should also be concerned with 'conventional' intraregional migration in West Africa.

This atlas describes the West African region, its population, settlement, territories, its economy and its vulnerabilities. It analyses the developments and the ways in which West Africa is conforming to a constantly changing global environment.

This book explores the crucial political and diplomatic issue of migration, which over the past decade, has become a central theme in relations between Africa and Europe. It discusses the diverse perspectives of African and European actors on migration and presents a more just and sustainable migration governance agenda, against the backdrop of the more detailed reflections on the key policy priorities, drivers, regional dynamics, and actors influencing African–EU migration. By providing an insight into the complexities and challenges of Africa–Europe relations with regard to migration governance, this book aims to generate an understanding about the disparities within this policy field to work towards more common ground and long-term policy solutions. Print edition not for sale in Sub Saharan Africa