Amanze Chinonye
South Africa has renewed its call for the African Union (AU) to convene a continent-wide conference on migration, arguing that rising migration pressures and anti-migrant sentiment require a coordinated African response rather than scrutiny of individual countries, Prime Business Africa reports.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola made the call on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 while briefing journalists in Pretoria on the outcomes of the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council.
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Lamola welcomed the Executive Council’s decision not to place migration on the agenda of the AU’s upcoming mid-term review meeting, saying South Africa instead supports implementing a 2015 AU resolution calling for a dedicated continental conference on migration.
“The African Union, in its wisdom, adopted a resolution in 2015 calling for a comprehensive conference on migration. It is time to dust it off and implement it,” Lamola said.
The proposal, adopted at the 25th AU Assembly in Johannesburg, aims to accelerate mobility and development across Africa while addressing irregular migration and strengthening the continent’s capacity to manage migration flows.
Lamola said migration should be addressed through a broader framework encompassing peace and security, economic development, regional integration, democratic governance and climate change, rather than being treated solely as a border management issue.
He rejected attempts to portray migration as a uniquely South African challenge, arguing that it is a continental phenomenon driven by shared structural factors.
“There is no discussion that will be helpful if it focuses only on South Africa because we are not the only country facing migration challenges,” he said.
According to Lamola, nearly six in 10 Africans aged between 18 and 25 have considered emigrating in search of better opportunities, highlighting the scale of migration pressures across the continent.
He noted that migration in Africa remains largely intra-continental, with more than half of African migrants relocating to another African country. South Africa, Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire remain among the leading destinations for intra-African migrants.
Lamola also warned that worsening economic conditions have fuelled anti-migrant sentiment across Africa and globally, stressing that any continental dialogue should examine the root causes of xenophobia, discrimination and violence against migrants.
He cited the deaths and disappearances of at least 144 migrants off the coast of Mauritania while attempting to reach Europe, as well as a recent mass crossing into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, as evidence that migration is an Africa-wide challenge requiring a coordinated response.
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Beyond migration, Lamola updated AU member states on South Africa’s continental responsibilities, including its role as chair of the AU Committee of Five (C5) on South Sudan and the Ministerial Follow-Up Committee overseeing the implementation of Agenda 2063.
He said South Africa had recommended a feasibility study for the establishment of an AU Agenda 2063 Development Fund to support the continent’s long-term development agenda while ensuring strong governance and accountability.
On South Sudan, Lamola urged the international community to support preparations for credible and inclusive elections under the Revitalised Peace Agreement, saying only a legitimate electoral process could deliver lasting peace, security and prosperity.
The minister also welcomed the AU’s decision to convene an Extraordinary Summit on conflict prevention and resolution in Luanda, Angola, on August 29-30, describing it as an opportunity to advance the principle of “African solutions to African problems.”
He said South Africa would use the summit to advocate stronger continental action on the conflict in Sudan, which he described as one of Africa’s gravest humanitarian crises, while continuing to support negotiated settlements to conflicts across the continent.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
