There are currently nearly nine million African refugees, and this number is only growing. One of many reasons for this phenomenon is war. Residents of Mali, Sudan, and Eritrea risk their lives to flee conflicts, illegally boarding ships in the hope of crossing the Mediterranean Sea and reaching Europe.
Some refugees fall for promises of a better life and are willing to give up all their savings just to settle in a new country but often become victims of fraudsters. These unfortunate individuals find themselves left without documents and are coerced into forced labour.
Another reason for migration is climate change. For example, Lake Chad has shrunk by 70% over the past 30 years. Consequently, local fishermen and farmers there are losing their source of income and must seek opportunities in other countries.
What other factors compel some Africans to leave their home continent? And what needs to be done so that they no longer have to search for a new place to live and build a family?
