Irregular migration of African youths to Europe, a disaster – ECOWAS

The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, has lamented the high rate of irregular migration of African youths to Europe, especially those from West African countries.

While responding to questions after making his “2024 Interim Report on the States of the Community” presentation at the plenary of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Thursday, the ECOWAS Commission president said the high irregular migration rate was a symptom of the issues affecting the continent.

“Irregular migration of our youths is a disaster,” he said, adding that the solution to the challenge was a rapid economic development of ECOWAS countries.

He linked the high irregular migration rate of African youths to the high unemployment rate, insecurity and poverty in the region.

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He called for decisive action by governments of member states to engendering peace and create employment opportunities, adding that foreign direct investments could only be attracted when there is security.

“We must do everything to ensure our youths stay back home by ensuring peace and employment,” Touray said.

ECO: Political will needed

The ECOWAS Commission president while responding to questions about the state of the proposed currency for the region, ECO, said 2027 is the timeline to achieve the single currency.

He posited that both economic and political will were needed to achieve the single currency initiative.

On the application by Mauritania and Morocco to join the ECOWAS, Touray said the regional bloc was still assessing their requests.

“ECOWAS is not about geographical space but about principles,” he said adding that any country that will obey the bloc’s protocols including free movement, should be allowed to join.

He, however, said the issue was being discussed at the body’s highest level.