By Olakunle Agboola – It is estimated that in 2021, more than 25 million African-born migrants were living outside the continent. In the past few years, thousands have risked their lives trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea bound for Europe, in search of better opportunities.
Tragically, many have lost their lives while they only made it as far as the Sahara Desert or the middle of the sea.
It is easy to ascertain that the major factor driving Africa’s migration is simply the failure of the governments to provide social infrastructure, good leadership, and job opportunities within the country of origin. The over-dependent on foreign aid and intervention has crept into many African states and you begin to wonder if it is difficult for Africans to solve their problems. The pattern of lazy thinking by some African leaders has made them neglect their responsibility to serve their communities and create a better environment that will allow many Africans to thrive.
It might be difficult for many African states to retain their teaming youth population if a set of deadwood and corrupt politicians still parades the affairs of governance in Africa. Many political leaders have no business in politics and all that communicate to their sense of reasoning is looting the national treasury, storing money like a barn of yam, using the latest flips of cars and buying houses, or owning a mansion abroad. This set of vicious and crooked leaders is the reason why many African youths are migrating abroad legally or through illegal impetuses. It will be difficult to retain young people when their quality of life cannot be guaranteed.
The desire to leave the continent goes beyond the quality of life for young people; they are keen to secure consistent income to help their families back home. Also, it is important to highlight that as long as several African countries face political unrest, this will push more young people to leave and migrate to what they consider safer and more open societies.
There is political and civil unrest across the continent, which won’t find a lasting solution until the political pool is void of rascals, thugs, and a backward and ruthless set of people. Good leadership has hampered the growth and development of Africa for too long and it might be a crucial time for Africans to fight useless and unfounded being in politics. This will go a long way to having great brains that will put the nation first rather than having corrupt people whose private world is in a state of disorderliness.
If the United State of Africa is still far beyond reach then visa-free arrangements should be possible amongst African nations. Stimulating intra-African trade through the introduction of CFTA will surely allow for the creation of more economic opportunities for African people. However, more needs to be done to deal with the current irregular economic movement.
African States can focus on the creation of training and employment opportunities for young people within the continent while smuggler networks that currently grossly exploit young people are broken. Massive investment in Africa across various sectors that create employment and related opportunities can’t be ignored cum leadership training for political leaders across all African States.
Ignoring the problems of good leadership across the continent will only lead to an increase in irregular migration and a rise in resistance movements such as those we have been witnessing. Illegal migration can be curtailed while the death of many Africans across the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara Desert can abruptly be brought to an end but that will be in the hands of many Africans to go beyond selfish interest and shortsighted vision to ensure good and credible leadership is paraded. Citizens must be engaged and are not passive, as the destiny of their nations and ultimately their livelihoods are tied to whom they choose to lead them.
There is a saying that you get the leaders you deserve, so as the sun sets on Africa’s old guard of leaders, and dawns for the younger generation, it is important that young Africans begin to show more interest and get involved in the rebuilding of the continent. Nation building is not an event but a process that requires active engagement and inclusivity of all citizens. As a continent, Africa has all to stand out with the great youth she possesses. It is time to harness this demographic dividend and parade a set of reasonable and proficient leadership!
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