Ramaphosa urges African leaders to address root causes of migration
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on African countries to address the underlying challenges driving migration, saying the continent must create conditions where people move by choice rather than circumstances.
Speaking in Johannesburg on Monday during the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament, Ramaphosa said migration cannot be addressed without tackling issues such as conflict, poverty, poor governance and social instability.
He urged African leaders to work together to create equal economic opportunities, strengthen institutions and promote peace across the continent.
“We must work for a future where Africans migrate out of choice and not necessity,” Ramaphosa said.
He called on the Pan-African Parliament to play a leading role in developing sustainable solutions to migration challenges, saying Africa’s progress should be measured by the opportunities and dignity it provides to its people.
Ramaphosa said a developed Africa should be one where citizens have access to jobs, skills and opportunities at home, rather than being forced to seek better prospects elsewhere.
In the past two months, more than 35 000 people have been processed through repatriation and deportation procedures since the measures came into effect. The majority of these people had come to South Africa in search of jobs.
“The measure of Africa’s development will not only be the ease with which Africans can move across borders. It will also be the extent to which every African country offers all its citizens sufficient opportunity, dignity and hope,” he said.
Ramaphosa also called for greater unity among African nations, saying a united continent would be better positioned to influence global decisions.
He said Africa must speak with a common voice on issues including reform of the United Nations Security Council, international financial systems, trade, climate change and technology.
The President warned that many continental agreements remain commitments on paper and urged governments to translate these promises into laws, institutions and resources that improve people’s lives.
He added that the success of the Seventh Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament would be measured not only by debates and resolutions but also by the practical impact it has on communities across Africa.
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