Abidjan — At the opening of the Liberal Political Dialogue Forum in Abidjan, key figures took the stage to challenge conventional narratives surrounding migration between Africa and Europe. Sidi Touré, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources and Vice-President of the Liberal International, joined forces with Alexandra Heldt, Regional Director for West Africa at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), to advocate for a transformative approach to migration governance.

Rethinking migration beyond security concerns

Addressing attendees at the two-day forum, which ran from July 15 to 16, 2026, Sidi Touré emphasized that migration should not be framed as a problem but rather as an inherent expression of human freedom. Backed by United Nations data, he highlighted that migrants constitute only 3.7% of the global population, with over 96% of people residing in their countries of birth. « The world is not being overrun by migration — this is a fact we must acknowledge, » he asserted.

Touré further pointed out that 70% of African migration occurs within the continent itself, citing the daily movement of travelers at Adjamé’s bus terminal in Abidjan as a testament to this reality. « This is not a crisis; it is life, » he remarked, underscoring Côte d’Ivoire’s longstanding tradition of hospitality embodied in the term *Akwaba*.

Regional tensions and the value of free movement

The Minister expressed deep concern over the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS, warning that such political divisions should not undermine the shared economic and social bonds among West African nations. « Regardless of political disagreements, our people are brothers and sisters, and our economies are intertwined. Free movement is a legacy we must protect, » he stated. He called for the forum’s discussions to culminate in actionable recommendations, to be compiled into a policy paper for policymakers.

Confronting xenophobia and fostering cooperation

Alexandra Heldt, representing the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, condemned the rise of xenophobic rhetoric both in Africa and Europe, pointing to the recurring violence against migrants in South Africa since 2008 as a stark example. « No nation can thrive by blaming migrants for its economic challenges, » she argued. She also highlighted the paradox in Europe, where labor shortages coexist with growing anti-immigration sentiment. « Migration fosters exchange, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It builds bridges between people, not walls, » she emphasized.

Heldt urged for an equitable Africa-Europe partnership rooted in principles of shared responsibility, mobility, and democratic values. « We must shift the conversation from fear to trust, from rejection to collaboration, » she urged decision-makers, stressing that migration could serve as a catalyst for shared progress.

Migration as a catalyst for development

Concluding the session, Sidi Touré reiterated his stance: « Hospitality is not a weakness; it is a strength and a strategic policy. » He reaffirmed his commitment to positioning migration as a cornerstone for inclusive development across borders.

The forum continued with in-depth discussions on the legal, geopolitical, and humanitarian dimensions of migration, bringing together experts and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst