Putting the Cart Before the Horse: How the EU-Africa Cooperation on Migration Has Failed and What to Do About It

Abstract

With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the adoption of policies and measures restricting mobility can be observed all over the world. This paper notes that the relationship between migration and development is circular and complex, embracing both negative and positive impacts. It explores the enactment of migration management policies that favour development at home (Africa) to prevent migration, with the trade-offs of security concerns. The paper finds these policies and measures to have failed and proposes what can be done to ensure a better Africa-European Union (EU) migration management.