By Ellen Samura
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) last Thursday concluded a three-day Cross-Regional Technical Coordination Workshop in Côte D’Ivoire, focusing on enhancing cooperation among stakeholders involved in return and reintegration efforts in Africa. The workshop, organized as part of the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration (MPRR) programme in North and Sub-Saharan Africa and supported by the European Union (EU), brought together government officials and IOM representatives from 21 countries, as well as EU delegates, to discuss key strategic collaborations.
During the workshop, participants highlighted the importance of strengthening national referral mechanisms for migrant returnees, establishing clear bi-lateral protocols with host countries, and improving access to protection, basic services, and legal identity for migrants and returnees. Discussions also delved into capacity building priorities such as child protection and national coordination mechanisms, alongside addressing resource gaps for reintegration assistance.
Notable outcomes from the workshop included the development of a roadmap outlining return and reintegration priorities for the next three years across relevant countries, aimed at guiding collective efforts and operational coordination. This initiative reflects IOM’s commitment to fostering deeper engagement with governments and enhancing migration governance in Africa.
The event was supported financially by the MPRR programmes, funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations and Directorate-General for International Partnerships. The workshop marked a significant step forward in strengthening the collaboration and ownership of return and reintegration processes in the region.
