Sudan’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Hassan Hamid, outlined Africa’s migration priorities and challenges during the 116th session of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Council. As coordinator of the African Group on Migration Affairs, Ambassador Hamid praised the IOM’s role in Africa, especially for convening the first African Ministerial Roundtable on the sidelines of this year’s Council. The roundtable gave African ministers a platform for frank dialogue and consensus‑building on shared continental migration priorities.
The continent is confronting escalating displacement crises, notably in Sudan, the Sahel and the Horn of Africa. Ambassador Hamid stressed the need to expand regular migration pathways, strengthen labor partnerships and skills recognition, reduce remittance costs, support border management and legal identity, and combat human trafficking. He also welcomed the IOM Director‑General’s recent visit to Sudan after the tragic attacks on civilians in El‑Fashir, which sparked new waves of displacement.
The African Group expressed concern about potential regional repercussions from multiple conflicts and the impacts of climate change, warning that these factors could worsen migration challenges. The group underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and highlighted the IOM’s crucial support in promoting safe and orderly migration.
In its statement, the African Group called for international cooperation to address the root causes of migration and to promote sustainable development. Ambassador Hamid reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to actively participate in the 2026 International Migration Review Forum and to work with the IOM and all partners to advance safe, orderly migration that benefits the continent’s development and the well‑being of its people. The 2026 forum will offer a critical opportunity for the international community to assess progress and challenges in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, and Africa’s participation will be essential in shaping the global migration agenda and addressing its unique challenges. Moving forward, the international community must prioritize collaborative efforts to promote safe and orderly migration, reduce the risks of irregular migration, and maximize migration’s benefits for development.
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