Securitisation of migration in Africa: the case of Agadez in Niger

The experience of Agadez in Niger shows the unintended negative impact of approaching migration as a security threat.

Intra-African migration is increasingly securitised due to European Union policies implemented on the continent that aim to stem African migration to Europe. Some African countries’ policies also contribute towards the securitisation of migration. Drawing on experience from Agadez in Niger, this report discusses the unintended consequences of the securitisation of intra-African migration. This includes growing insecurity for Agadez residents, more smuggling, eroded citizen-government relations, and rising regional instability.

About the author

Tsion Tadesse Abebe is a Senior Researcher with the Migration Programme at the Institute for Security Studies. Her research focuses on intra-African migration and forced displacement. Tsion has a Master’s degree in gender and peacebuilding and a certificate in international labour migration.

Picture: Amanda Nero/IOM