Episode #41:
 |
| IOM Ghana Mission |
SPECIAL: Talking
Points around #ECOWAS@40(3): Migration-so-compelling!
The Africa in Focus Show turns 1 on 5 May, 2015.
In July 2008,
ECOWAS and the Government of Spain signed in Barcelona, Spain, a technical
document for the administration and management of 10 million euros: the
ECOWAS-Spain Fund on Migration and Development. Spain granted the amount to
ECOWAS in support of immigration and development, small arms control as well as
energy development and access. The contribution made Spain the single largest
donor country to the regional organization. The signing ceremony took place in
consolidation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two parties in December 2005. The Fund,
which was to be managed by a 10-member Steering Committee, is
specifically dedicated to the ECOWAS Commission and Member States in the
development and implementation of the ECOWAS Common Approach on Migration. It is also aimed at supporting activities on migration and
development in order to maximize the positive effects and limit the negative
consequences of migration on countries, migrants and their families.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Spain and the-then ECOWAS Executive Secretariat was signed in December 2005, which institutionalizes the cooperation between both entities, setting up a number of prioritized sectors and reaching an agreement on different commitments. The Spain-ECOWAS Fund for Migration and Development was created in 2008, with a contribution of 10 million Euros (which arguably shows the importance given to migration issues) and a satellite office of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development opened at Spain’s Embassy in Abuja, in order to facilitate cooperation relations with the ECOWAS
In 2012, the Commission of the
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) initiated the process of
rolling out the second phase of a funding scheme that supports Civil Society
Organisations (CSOs) in member states to carry out projects that promote
migration and development.
A press statement signed by Mr. Sanoh N’Faly, Director of Free Movement of Persons and Tourism, said the funding mechanism was being implemented under the ECOWAS/Spain Fund for Migration and Development (ESFMD), established between the Commission and the government of Spain in 2009.
“The objective of the ESFMD is
to contribute to poverty reduction in the ECOWAS region through effective,
sustainable regional integration and capacity building interventions. The first
phase of the project, which was rolled out in 2011, had as many as 24 CSOs from
member states receiving grants for various projects for promoting migration and
development,” the statement noted.
In preparation for the commencement of the second phase of the grant under the ESFMD, the statement further noted that the Commission had started engaging CSOs in member states to sensitise them about the project and grant-making processes. This process would subsequently be followed by a call for grant proposals from CSOs.
In preparation for the commencement of the second phase of the grant under the ESFMD, the statement further noted that the Commission had started engaging CSOs in member states to sensitise them about the project and grant-making processes. This process would subsequently be followed by a call for grant proposals from CSOs.
In our view, in the light of what was arguably
the worst month for migrants attempting to cross Europe (reported death of 1300
migrants in three incidents in less than two weeks), we want to begin asking
important questions about the flip-side of free movement, which is an important
cornerstone of any regional integration project. How far has ECOWAS itself delivered
on its 2008 “ECOWAS Common Approach on Migration”, and what are international
organisations like the IOM doing to help migrants.
Call us on the following numbers when
we open the phone lines at 14h30 GMT
+233(0)289.000.931 //
+233(0)289.931.000
Join
us if you can at 1pm on 5 May, 2015.
Guiding
questions
·
What is the compelling impetus, and IR dynamics
compelling migrants to leave the shores of Africa?
· Did
the passing of former Libyan leader Qaddafi help or hinder the efforts of
migrants?
· What
was Libya’s policy on migration?
·
What is the mission of IOM, and why has it dedicated itself to
fighting their cause?
·
What has caused the upsurge of irregular migration through the
Mediterranean to Europe?
·
Can we have a discussion on migrants in West Africa without
referring to the Mali uprising of 2012?
·
What percentages of Ghanaians are migrating towards Europe, and
why are Ghanaians adopting other nationalities?
·
What are some of the international and regional responses to
migration IOM is a part of? {EU;
US-GCC(May 2015); AU; Pan-African Parliament)
Guests in the studio:
Ø Edward Akuffo, PhD ,Assistant
Professor, Political Science, University of the Fraser Valley; Director, Global
Development Institute,
Ø Kojo Wilmot, International Organisation for Migration(IOM)
Representative, IOM Mission Ghana
Ø Juana Akuamoah-Boateng, Queens
Impact Foundation/Assistant Producer, “Africa in Focus” Show
Just in case you missed it:
"Africa in Focus Show" is the ONLY weekly magazine on Ghanaian radio explaining; unpacking; demystifying ECOWAS; AU; and South-South cooperation policies around Africa's integration. We are airborne every Tuesday from 13h00 to 15h00 GMT. All podcasts are available for download on www.africainfocusradioshow.org Follow the conversation using #AfricainFocus
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