In a briefing session organized by the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), Addis Ababa University, under the title “Spotlight on Migration: Causes, Consequences, and What the AU Can Do”, Mr Philip Jusu from the AU and Dr. Mehari Taddele presented and discussed the emerging and urgent issues surround the current state of affairs of migration within and outside Africa.

Dr Mehari noted that the time for setting norms is up and it is imperative that the AU and member states resort to implementation.

“There is a need to shift from an interventionist approach on migration to a more prevention oriented approach.

This concurrently requires bridging the gap between early warning and early response.”

Dr. Mehari also argued that there is a mistaken approach by the AU and member states that looks migration as a threat.

“Migration has always been part of human life. The fundamental issue should be to enable people to migrate voluntarily and legal ways. Reduction of poverty by itself cannot decrease migration.

When a more vibrant middle class is created, there will be a propensity to move, but the existence of a wider middle class enables for the creation of institutional protection on the move that is capable of promoting and advancing legal migration.” 

The half-day session was held on July 2, 2015.

Here with the link to access the full briefing session and Dr. Mehari’s exclusive interview with the IPSS Website.

It can be found online on IPSS’s Youtube page:

1/ Briefing Session: 

2/ Interview with Dr. Mehari Taddele:   

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