Leaders gathered in Abidjan have common objective of finding practical solutions to the mass influx of African migrants to Europe.
“We must be ambitious, as the youth demands it of us, in Europe as well as in Africa, to be able to move forward towards the future with hope and in peace. That’s why we must make decisions and commitments, not only for change, but also for success.” Cote D’ivoire’s President, Alassane Outtara said.
Some delegates have called for urgent measures to end the migrant slave trade in Libya.
“The atrocious recent images of migrants sold in Libya remind us of the urgency to act. Migration presents challenges but also opportunities when it comes to development, promotion of decent work, and strengthened collaboration. All countries have the right and obligation to control their borders in a responsible and sovereign way. But they must do it fully respecting international law for refugees, and the human rights of refugees and migrants.” United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres said.
“These human traffickers are linked to the networks of arms traffickers, drug traffickers and terrorist movements in the region — from the Sahel-Saharan strip to the Gulf of Guinea to Libya. Cooperation between all governments represented here is vital. We need a joint task force made up of police and intelligence services if we are to dismantle these networks.” French President Emmanuel Macron said.
Leaders have also been looking for ways to boost Africa’s economic growth and stability.
“As we did in Europe with the launch of the Strategic Investment Fund, we have developed an external investment plan for Africa that could mobilise 52.2 billion dollars of investment by 2020.” European Commission President, Jean Claude Juncker said.
The funds will go towards projects that will create jobs for young Africans so as to discourage them from making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean in search of a better life.
