Migration Post-Pandemic: A Pan-Afrikan Perspective

Mareika, on behalf of the Isusu Ffena team had a discussion with Dr. Faisal Garba on the current Covid-19 pandemic and how it has influenced migration patterns. Dr. Garba gave insights on what migration has meant in the Afrikan context in the past and present alluding to the fact it has been common occurrence in the history of many Afrikan peoples. He highlighted the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic is being used as an excuse to shut down boarders and how this needs to be addressed when thinking of the effects of the pandemic. He suggests that instead of having an attitude that criminalizes migrations, we need to take on a more Pan-Afrikan perspective to the issue. Through this, we recognize that the boarders that were formed by colonial governments should not be used as markers to divided Afrikan people and must not be upheld without reflection on their meanings today. Additionally, Dr. Garba pointed to the plight of refugees and migrants at large during the Covid-19 pandemic and how their needs should be put at the forefront as they are a vulnerable group. That is to say it is necessary to provide adequate services to such vulnerable groups as overcoming the pandemic requires a consideration of all peoples. Here he was largely referring to what he has seen and experienced in his current place of residence in Cape Town, and South Africa at large. However, these are lessons that are applicable across the continent.

This conversation opened up new dialogue on Covid-19, boarders and migration and stimulated ideas towards a Pan-Afrikan way of overcoming the pandemic.