The African Union (AU) Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), to enhance existing cooperation on Migration, and Mobility Governance between the two organizations.
The MoU was signed by H.E. Mrs Amira Elfadil, Commissioner for Social Affairs on behalf of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mohamed; while Director General, Mr. Michael Spindelegger, signed on behalf of ICMPD.
The MoU is the result of continuous engagement, informed by the priorities and objectives of the AU in an effort to improve political stability, enhance safety and security, advance social development and economic prosperity.
- Migration governance, particularly in the areas of the free movement of people, labour migration and mobility, trade, and remittances, amongst others is central to this effort.
- The envisioned scope of the cooperation echoes the Union’s strategic priorities, as anchored in the Agenda 2063 and in the Migration Policy Framework for Africa, while leveraging opportunities of mutual benefit for countries of origin and of destination.
- It will therefore serve as a catalyst for joint effort, bolstering cooperation at the continental level to complement bilateral and regional efforts, including between the African and European continents, as formalized recently in the framework of the AU-EU Continent-to-Continent Migration and Mobility Dialogue (C2CMMD).
What they are saying
Speaking during the virtual signing ceremony of the MoU, Commissioner Elfadil said:
“I am delighted to note with appreciation that this MoU captures and allows us to engage in most of the elements covered by our Migration Policy Framework for Africa and also elements under the Continent-to-Continent Migration and mobility Dialogue between Africa and Europe.’’
She added the existing cooperation between the AU Commission and the ICMPD would contribute to orderly, safe, and regular migration and mobility between the two Continents.
Speaking on behalf of ICMPD, Mr Spindelegger, stated that:
- “Areas of cooperation envisioned by the MoU are in line with the Migration Policy Framework for Africa, encompassing migration governance, free movement, labour migration and mobility, remittances and diaspora engagement, migration and trade, border governance, irregular migration and information sharing, amongst other areas.”
He said that ICMPD is particularly convinced about the benefits of the AU Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons in Africa, and that its ratification and implementation will advance social development and economic prosperity on the African continent. ICMPD will endeavour to support the AUC in this crucial effort.
What you should know
- AU spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens.
- AU Vision is to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission.
- The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is an international organisation with 18 Member States and about 350 staff members.
- It is active in more than 90 countries worldwide.
- It takes a regional approach in its work to create efficient cooperation and partnerships along migration routes. Priority regions include Africa, Central and South Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
- Its three-pillar approach to migration management – structurally linking research, migration dialogues and capacity building – contributes to migration policy development worldwide.
- ICMPD receives funding from its Member States, the European Commission, the UN and other multilateral institutions, as well as bilateral donors.
