Political tool of migration

By Mary Alorh

Migration has long been a powerful political tool for those in authority. In precolonial times, the movement of people often led to wars of conquest, with the goal of seizing new lands, kingdoms, and empires.

During the colonial era, Europeans migrated to Africa, aiming to impose control and dominance through oppression and indirect rule.

Today, migration has taken a different form. Many Africans are now migrating to Europe and the West – not for political conquest, but to seek better opportunities.

However, this shift has made migration a political tool that can be weaponized, as seen in the open slave markets for migrants in Libya.

In recent decades, migration has become a major global political issue, taking center stage in political discussions in the U.S., Europe, and beyond. In the U.S., migration continues to be a key topic in elections, influencing policy decisions.

Historically, the U.S. has implemented migration policies aimed at diversifying its population. One such example is the Immigration Act of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush, which included the Donnelly Visa program.

This program primarily benefited the Irish community, allowing Irish and Northern Irish citizens to migrate between 1992 and 1994. Additionally, the act’s green card provisions positively affected many Africans, including Nigerians, Ghanaians, and Liberians.

As global power dynamics shift, so do migration trends. In 2019, Ghanaian students became the largest group of African students in China, with 6,500 enrolled.

China has been attracting African students through scholarships and incentives, using this as a strategic tool to strengthen diplomatic ties with African countries.

Russia is also positioning itself as an attractive destination for African elites, business communities, and the general public. By October 2024, Russia had established visa-free agreements with seven African nations and is progressing toward allowing 90-day visa-free stays for BRICS countries and others.

Within Africa, intra-continental migration is gaining prominence, with nations signing bilateral agreements to facilitate movement. For instance, Ghana and South Africa have an agreement that allows their citizens to stay in each other’s countries for up to 90 days without a visa.

As of 2023, Seychelles holds the strongest passport in Africa, while Somalia’s passport ranks the weakest.

Mary Alorh is Director of Administration at DefSEC Analytics Africa Ltd., and is an expert in Gender, Youth, and Peace & Security initiatives in West Africa.