At a formal sitting of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday 14 June, Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara highlighted three major challenges which “will have great impact on the future of the planet and on relations between the EU and Africa”: climate change (see other articles), migration and population growth.
He called for greater solidarity and cooperation between the EU and Africa in managing migration. “Peace and security have to be returned to the Sahel-Saharan strip and a political solution encouraged to conflict in Libya”, he said. He acknowledged that poverty and unemployment could drive migration towards Europe. Hence his wish for a plan to “facilitate massive investment in Africa” to create jobs. “This will help cut illegal migration towards Europe”, he argued.
Migration within Africa is far greater than between Africa and the EU. Côte d’Ivoire is host to almost 5.5 million foreign nationals, making up 26% of the country’s total population. Money transfers from this African diaspora to the various countries of origin equates to nearly 1% of Côte d’Ivoire’s GDP. “This is an indication of the contribution made by Ivoirian hospitality and generosity to the development of neighbouring countries”, Ouattara said, to the applause of the Chamber.
Young Africans, tempted to try their fortune in Europe, often fall victim to criminal networks and terrorist organisations. It is essential, therefore, to make young people realise that they are better to stay in Africa than to go elsewhere.
Parliament President Antonio Tajani hailed the “extraordinary work” done by Ouattara, which has brought his country out of civil war, strengthened its institutions and economy and improved the social indicators. Côte-d’Ivoire is among the world’s most dynamic economies with 8% growth forecast this year. “Côte-d’Ivoire should serve as an example to other countries on the continent, in particular in West Africa”, Tajani added. Last month, he met Moussa Faki Mahamat, President of the Commission of the African Union (see EUROPE 11789). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)