Pretoria: South Africa has reiterated its opposition to attempts to single it out over migration-related challenges, calling instead for a comprehensive continent-wide conference to address the root causes of migration; examine migration; improve mobility across Africa, and address the challenges associated with irregular migration. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized the need for a collective, evidence-based response to what he described as a continental phenomenon.
According to South African Government News Agency, Minister Lamola briefed the media in Pretoria on Wednesday about the outcomes of the recent 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council. He welcomed the Council's decision not to place migration on the agenda of the AU mid-term review meeting, reaffirming South Africa's support for the implementation of a 2015 AU decision calling for a continent-wide migration conference. Lamola highlighted that the proposal from the 25th AU Assembly, held in Johannesburg in 2015, remains the appropriate platform for examining migration issues across Africa.
Lamola addressed isolation attempts by stating that discussions must be comprehensive, focusing on factors like climate change, economic stability, and democracy rather than framing migration as a uniquely South African issue. He noted that nearly 45% of Africans live outside their countries of origin, making migration a shared continental concern. He argued against isolating the issue to South Africa, suggesting that such a focus would yield no constructive outcomes.
The Minister urged the African Union to revive and implement the migration conference resolution adopted in 2015, emphasizing that South Africa will continue cooperating with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to engage on migration-related issues. He stressed that migration cannot be separated from broader developmental challenges and should be discussed alongside peace and security, economic development, climate change, and regional integration.
Lamola cited research indicating that nearly six in every 10 Africans between the ages of 18 and 25 have considered emigrating for better opportunities. He also noted that South Africa, Egypt, and C´te d'Ivoire receive the largest share of intra-African migrants. The Minister highlighted increasing negative attitudes toward migrants across the continent, driven by economic hardship.
Lamola updated member states on South Africa's continental responsibilities, including its roles as Chair of the Committee of Five on South Sudan and the Ministerial Follow-Up Committee for Agenda 2063. He emphasized South Africa's commitment to strengthening accountability and mobilizing sustainable financing for Africa's development agenda, recommending a feasibility study for an Agenda 2063 Development Fund.
On South Sudan, Lamola urged international support for credible and inclusive elections under the Revitalised Peace Agreement. He also welcomed the decision to convene an Extraordinary AU Summit on conflict prevention and resolution in Luanda, Angola, emphasizing the importance of African solutions to African problems, particularly in addressing the worsening conflict in Sudan.