During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2021) the Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism (GRFDT) held a series of webinars to address the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) together with the collaboration of the civil society organisations. In November 2021, as part of their efforts for disseminating knowledge and experiences on diaspora and migration, the GRFDT, together with the Gambia National Youth Council (NYC) and the Global Zimbabwe Diaspora conducted a webinar dedicated to the second objective of the GCM through two cases examples, the Gambian and Zimbabwe experiences from national experts’ views and analysis: Mr. Lamin Darboe, a scholar from the University of Sussex dedicated to spearheading social change and former chair of NYC, and Dr. Paul Matsvai, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Zimbabwe Diaspora, discuss the adverse drivers, structural factors of migrations for both Gambia and Zimbabwe, and more importantly, how to mitigate them.
More information about the GRFDT mission and work can be found at its website grfdt.com.
The GCM Objective 2 :
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration is an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2018 that covers “all dimensions of international migration holistically and comprehensively”. Objective 2 centers around the necessity of “minimizing the adverse drivers and structural factors that compel people to leave their country of origin”. Each region and country face different challenges that need to be contextualized.
From rural to urban and beyond migration in Gambia
Mr. Darboe stressed from the beginning the critical importance to understand the drivers and cultural factors of migration under the Gambian context. Even though he recognizes there are several historical and cultural reasons behind the movement, he emphasized the country’s economic condition as the main factor for it. On one hand young migrants, either regular or irregular, flee to fulfill their employment and educational needs, both responding to economic opportunities, but on the other hand, he stressed there are other factors as well. The speaker explained how Gambian youth have a culturally imposed responsibility to economically support the elderly, which further pushes migration numbers. Another cultural driver responds to family unification, women leaving the country to be reunited with their husbands.
The speaker then moved forward and discussed the political situation of his country of origin, where hostilities have been an additional factor for Gambian migrants. With historically high mobility numbers in the African region, especially to mineral-rich countries, Gambians are now seeking to reach the Mediterranean coast aiming to cross over to European countries.
In summary, Mr. Darboe describes how migration is culturally engrained in the young population, disregarding between low skill or high skill migrants who find in fleeing their country the only way to support their families and achieve a better life.
Controlling the Gambian Migration root causes
“Gambia is one of the remittance depending countries in the African region” which makes the Gambian diaspora a strategic player. Diaspora organizations are claiming their space in Gambian politics, engaging directly in policymaking. This, together with the civil society, has represented a proactive approach to demand alternative solutions, mostly to control irregular migration, the speaker said. Migration information centers in the Gambian youth population have been providing a comprehensive view on migration risk, alternative job, and educational opportunities in the country, how to move safely within the regular means, and even access to funding for young enterprises. If migration cannot be stopped, at least migrants should have all the information they need to make an informed decision. Mr. Darboe mentions how the diaspora has helped the Gambian economy establishing business in the private sector and providing new jobs opportunities for their co-nationals.
In conclusion, it was said that “government and stakeholders need to move together in to address economic drivers”, and overall coordination could be a feasible solution to provide opportunities to young Gambia citizens.
Unification of stakeholders, the challenge for Zimbabwe
Dr. Matsvai started his presentation with a quote from former UN Secretary-General Dr. Annan, which in his opinion applies to the Zimbabwe context: migration exists to overcome adversity, and out of the desire for self-improvement.
The speaker identifies negative migration drivers for Zimbabweans, including the low salaries within the country, even for high skill level jobs. This has made Zimbabwe look for other opportunities to meet its end needs. Thanks to the country’s official language, English, several international organizations across Africa have more easily demanded Zimbabwean labor.
As a structural factor, the toxicity in relationships between governmental parties is highlighted as the main challenge by the speaker. He continued stressing an imperative need to acknowledge a democratic discussion, aim to develop strong institutions to rebuild Zimbabwe’s original potential.
“There is a need of appropriation and plurality of the voices”: Dr. Paul Matsvai
The proposed solution will have to be put by Zimbabwe above any leader, involving all stakeholders, including diaspora organizations, without making them partisans to any political party. A cluster-wise organization of the issue could present an optimal option to find common ground within the players, including the government.
The webinar ended with closing words from Prof. Binod Khadria, who detailed how GCM Objective 2 pushes scholars, governments, and other stakeholders to think about the goals to manage the identified migration drivers.
Review of the GRFDT Webinar: GCM Objective 2: Minimize The Adverse Drivers And Structural Factors That Compel People To Leave Their Country Of Origin. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsNnlFYJaQU Speakers: Lamin Darboe and Paul Matsvai
Angelo Gianturco Coletta is an Independent Scholar. He holds an Economy Bachelor, MA in Humanitarian Action and Peace-building, and Conflict Resolution Specialist with experience in sustainable development empowerment project for vulnerable women in Venezuela. He is currently working as a Humanitarian for women suffering from gender-based violence in urban settings. Email: agianturco@me.com