Publication

This publication challenges two assumptions on which policymakers and experts have historically relied upon to inform the migration policies of actors such as the EU and the US: 1) that higher levels of human and economic development automatically result in a reduction of migratory flows; and 2) that armed conflicts necessarily provoke huge migration flows. The text’s authors also offer recommendations for international actors looking to improve their policy and governance efforts in the Sahel region, including: 1) refraining from explicitly linking migration policies with development cooperation; 2) avoiding inflammatory rhetoric regarding links between migration, terrorism and criminality; and 3) increasing the participation of local authorities and civil society organizations in development efforts; and more.