International Migration in Africa: An Overview

Abstract

There are various internal and external socio-economic and political factors that have been responsible for migration in Africa. Some of the internal factors are Africa's adverse socio-economic, political and environmental conditions. For example, the different conflicts, wars and coups based on ethnic, tribal, religious and ideological differences in many African countries (such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Liberia, Angola, etc.) have forced millions of Africans to abandon their homeland for safety and security elsewhere. Also, unfavourable environmental conditions have contributed to drought and famine in many African countries, forcing thousands of Africans to leave their home in seqrch of food and shelter elsewhere, mainly in neighbouring countries. ' The external factors that have exacerbated migration in Africa include slavery, colonialism and foreign intervention. There are also combinations of internal and external influences. For example, in some African countries, military and autocratic leaders have often been supportedby either one or the other of the superpowers receiving assistance to reduce local opposition in return for geo-political strategic benefits. As a result of these oppressive regimes and the support they get from superpowers, thousands of Africans have been forced to abandon their countries. The cases of Ethiopia and Somalia provide typical