The African Union Commission Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and German Development Cooperation, held a two-day senior officers’ meeting from 28 – 29 August 2024 in Accra, Ghana.

The meeting was aimed at validating the draft Plan of Action for the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in Africa. The validation meeting took place as part of the preparation for the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Migration, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during the last quarter of 2024, where Honourable Ministers will adopt the validated document. The Plan of Action is expected to provide guidance for the development of National Action Plans across AU member states, affording a harmonized approach in the reporting and reviewing mechanism which is very vital for the continent.

The meeting was officially opened by the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Ghana, Mrs. Doreen P. Annan. In her opening remarks, she encouraged participants to take into consideration the multi-dimensional nature of migration challenges that is caused by effects of violent extremism, growing food insecurity and impacts of climate change facing the world today. “Globally, while millions of migrants and displaced persons have been factored in national development planning, far too many of them have been left behind in the planning process.,’’ the Acting Chief Director mentioned.

Key speakers during the opening ceremony included the Acting Director for Social Development, Culture and Sports of the HHS Department, Ms. Angela Martins; Ms. Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, Chief of Mission of IOM Ghana (resident), Benin and Togo; and Dr. Japhet Lishomwa, Director General, Department of Immigration, Zambia, doubling as the Chair of STC on Migration, Refugees and IDPs. The Head of Division for Labour, Employment and Migration, Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi, moderated the event.

“We are guided by the Pan-African ideology that this process is an African Union member states driven process, for African migrants by Africans. We are also guided by the understanding that migration is key to social and economic development, benefiting migrants, countries of origin, transit and destination,” underscored Ms. Angela Martins.

‘’As a continent, it is important to have a harmonized approach in implementing this Compact through an operational plan. This will not only ensure that we jointly identify areas of focus within a given timeline but also ensure we remain coordinated in the review and reporting of the GCM for effective participation in the International Migration Review Forum in New York,” said Dr. Japhet Lishomwa.

‘‘Today, we are granted the opportunity to ensure that the Plan of Action for 2025 – 2028 is robust and reflective of the priorities and commitments of our AU member states. Moreover, the outcomes of our discussions will be critical in shaping our collective contributions to the continental review, while projecting our united African approach to the GCM implementation across Africa,” noted Ms. Fatou Diallo Ndiaye.

In preparation for the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), due in 2025 in New York, the strengthening of national, regional and continental review processes is expected to enhance operational cooperation, solidarity and brotherliness providing a pathway to an accelerated and robust economic integration in the Continent.

The meeting further reviewed the African Common Position on Migration and Development (ACPMD) espousing the understanding that a greater percentage of African migration takes places within the Continent. Member states also advised the inclusion of mechanisms for managing border community as part of the broader border management and the consideration of split protection needs of vulnerable groups and migrants.

It is also expected that, the validation of the Plan of Action will increase member states’ interests in the GCM implementation, and by so doing uphold migration governance best practices.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Geoffrey Wafula | Migration Programs Coordinator | Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development | African Union Commission | E-mail: Geoffreyk@africa-union.org

For media inquiries, please contact:

1. King David Cartey | Strategic Communication Expert | Health, Humanitarian Affairs & Social Development I African Union Commission | E-mail: CarteyD@africa-union.org
2. Juliane REISSIG | Public Information Officer | International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Ghana | E-mail: JReissig@iom.int
3. James Anquandah| Communications Specialist | GIZ Ghana I E-mail: james.anquandah@giz.de