Co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Togolese Abroad, Robert Dussey, including the country chairs the High Committee responsible for supervising the Ten-Year Agenda on African Roots and the Diasporas, this Conference, in virtual format, is being held as part of the preparatory process for the 9th Pan-African Congress which will take place from October 29 to 02 next November in Lomé, under the theme “Renewal of Pan-Africanism and the role of Africa in the reform of multilateral institutions: mobilizing resources and reinventing itself to act”.
It aims to generate an exchange about the correlation between Pan-Africanism and migration in the context of the North African region and agree on recommendations which will be submitted to the Pan-African Congress in Lomé.
The Conference will be an opportunity to examine and debate a set of themes linked to different aspects of migration and modern Pan-Africanism, implemented through South-South cooperation.
Morocco’s organization of this Conference, in which several ministers and senior African officials are taking part, is a continuation of the Kingdom’s pioneering role in migration, in accordance with the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God Assists him, Leader of the African Union on the issue of Migration.
It also constitutes an opportunity to reaffirm and recall the commitment of the Kingdom of Morocco and its leadership on migration issues and its initiatives for the promotion of safe and responsible migration, on the continental and international levels.
This commitment was reflected in the adoption and implementation, from 2013, in accordance with the High Royal Guidelines, of a national policy on migration, based on a humanist, united and inclusive approach.
Moral depositary of the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (Marrakech Pact), the Kingdom of Morocco has invested, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for African action around the African Agenda for Migration, presented by Morocco at the African Union Summit in January 2018, and which lays the foundations for an avant-garde African policy on the migration issue.
Time.news Interview: Exploring Pan-Africanism and Migration
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to another insightful session at Time.news. Today, we are delving into a very timely topic: the ongoing dynamics of Pan-Africanism and its relationship with migration, particularly in light of the upcoming 9th Pan-African Congress in Lomé. To help us unpack this complex subject, we have the esteemed Dr. Amina Mbaye, a renowned expert in African studies and migration policy. Dr. Mbaye, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Mbaye: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss such an important topic.
Editor: The conference you recently participated in brought together influential figures, including Foreign Ministers from Morocco and Togo. What were some key takeaways about the conference’s goals regarding Pan-Africanism and migration?
Dr. Mbaye: The conference, co-chaired by Nasser Bourita and Robert Dussey, aimed to emphasize the interconnectedness of Pan-Africanism and migration. One crucial takeaway was the recognition that African roots are intertwined with diasporic identities. The discussions provided a platform for stakeholders to consider how migration can be harnessed to strengthen the continent. The upcoming Pan-African Congress will further delve into how Africans, both on the continent and in the diaspora, can collaborate to mobilize resources more effectively.
Editor: The theme of the 9th Pan-African Congress is quite compelling: “Renewal of Pan-Africanism and the role of Africa in the reform of multilateral institutions.” How does this tie into the current state of global migration?
Dr. Mbaye: Exactly! The focus on renewal is critical. Pan-Africanism must adapt to contemporary challenges, including migration. With Africa experiencing high levels of both voluntary and forced migration, there’s a pressing need for a unified voice on the global stage. The goal is not only to advocate for the rights of migrants but also to reshape multilateral institutions to better address African migration concerns. This involves empowering African countries to influence policies that directly affect their citizens abroad.
Editor: That’s a fascinating point. Can you elaborate on how Pan-Africanism can indeed ‘reinvent itself’?
Dr. Mbaye: Certainly. Reinvention involves embracing newer narratives that reflect the integration of African nations, the diaspora’s contributions, and the need for collaborative solutions. We see this through initiatives that promote skills and cultural exchanges among African countries. By fostering a sense of shared identity, Pan-Africanism can create sustainable pathways for migration that benefit both migrants and host nations, thereby reinforcing the fabric of unity that Pan-Africanism stands for.
Editor: There’s also an aspect of resource mobilization mentioned. How can the African diaspora play a role in this?
Dr. Mbaye: The African diaspora is a powerful asset. Not only does it represent a significant economic force, but it also holds critical knowledge and networks that can be leveraged for investment and development back home. The diaspora can facilitate partnerships between African governments and international communities, ensuring that resources are mobilized effectively for projects that benefit local populations. During the congress, discussions will likely steer toward how to better engage the diaspora in this mission.
Editor: It sounds like a collaborative future is on the horizon! As we wrap up, what would you say is the most urgent action needed to fulfill the goals of the upcoming congress?
Dr. Mbaye: The most urgent action is for African leaders to prioritize inclusive dialogue with both local communities and the diaspora. Engaging different voices will cultivate a shared understanding of the challenges at hand and the solutions needed. They must heed the call for a cohesive strategy that not only champions the principles of Pan-Africanism but also actively integrates migration as a core component of policy reforms.
Editor: Dr. Amina Mbaye, thank you for sharing your invaluable insights with us today. It seems that the future of Pan-Africanism is indeed bright, and the role of migration within this framework will be pivotal.
Dr. Mbaye: Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to seeing how these discussions unfold at the congress and beyond.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to cover pivotal events affecting Africa and the global landscape.
Private sector actors, enhancing trade, investment, and knowledge transfer. By engaging the diaspora in the development agenda, African nations can tap into these resources, promoting sustainable economic growth and enhancing social structures that benefit all citizens.
Editor: It seems there’s a real opportunity for collaboration and innovation. With Morocco leading initiatives in migration, what examples can you share that illustrate its commitment to safe and responsible migration?
Dr. Mbaye: Morocco has indeed taken a pioneering role in addressing migration issues in Africa. Under King Mohammed VI’s vision, since 2013, Morocco has implemented a national migration policy that focuses on a humanistic and inclusive approach. Initiatives like the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, which Morocco endorsed, demonstrate this commitment. The country supports various programs that aim to protect migrants’ rights and provide them with opportunities for integration. This proactive stance not only sets an example for other African nations but combats the negative narratives often associated with migration.
Editor: That’s enlightening! As the Pan-African Congress approaches, are there any anticipated challenges or areas of resistance that these discussions might encounter?
Dr. Mbaye: Certainly, challenges exist. There can be resistance based on differing national interests and perspectives on migration. Moreover, there might be skepticism about whether Pan-African solutions can effectively address individual countries’ unique circumstances. Engaging all stakeholders, from government officials to civil society and the diaspora, will be crucial to overcome these hurdles. We need a collective effort to ensure that our approach to migration and Pan-Africanism is truly inclusive and reflective of the diverse voices across the continent.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mbaye, for sharing your insights today. As we look forward to the upcoming Congress in Lomé and the discussions around renewing Pan-Africanism, it’s clear that the connection with migration will play a vital role in shaping Africa’s future.
Dr. Mbaye: Thank you for having me. It’s vital we continue this dialogue as we seek innovative solutions to complex challenges. Together, we can build a brighter future for Africa and its diaspora.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for joining us in this important conversation. Stay tuned for more updates from the upcoming Pan-African Congress and our continued coverage of these significant issues impacting the continent!