Ivorian leaders advocate for a balanced approach to migration and development
Abidjan — In a bold call for rethinking Africa-Europe relations, Sidi Touré, Vice President of the Liberal International and Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, joined forces with Alexandra Heldt, Regional Director for West Africa at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), to advocate for a new framework on migration challenges.
Their joint appeal was made during the opening of the Liberal Political Dialogue Forum held in Abidjan on July 15-16, 2026, under the theme “Migration, Security and Development: Rethinking Africa-Europe Partnerships.”
Migration as a matter of freedom, not crisis
Sidi Touré dismissed the notion of migration as a problem, framing it instead as a fundamental human right. Citing United Nations data, he pointed out that migrants constitute only 3.7% of the global population, with over 96% of people living in their country of birth. “The world is not being overwhelmed,” he emphasized, urging an end to fear-driven narratives.
Highlighting the Ivorian tradition of hospitality—embodied in the welcoming term Akwaba—he stressed that 70% of African migration occurs within the continent itself. “This isn’t a crisis; it’s life,” he remarked, referencing daily migrant movements at Abidjan’s Adjamé bus station.
Regional tensions and the need for unity
The minister expressed concern over the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from ECOWAS, warning of the impact on free movement across West Africa. “Political differences may arise, but our peoples remain brothers, our economies are intertwined, and free movement is a shared heritage,” he asserted. He called for actionable recommendations to be compiled into a policy paper to guide future decisions.
Challenging xenophobia on both sides
Alexandra Heldt condemned rising xenophobic rhetoric in Africa and Europe, pointing to recurring violence against migrants in South Africa since 2008. “No nation can thrive by blaming migrants for economic struggles,” she warned.
She also highlighted Europe’s contradictory stance, where labor shortages coexist with anti-immigration sentiment. “Migrations foster exchanges, innovation and entrepreneurship. They build bridges, not walls,” she argued.
A partnership rooted in trust and cooperation
Both leaders advocated for an equitable Africa-Europe partnership centered on mobility, shared responsibility and democratic values. “We must shift from fear to trust, from exclusion to collaboration,” Heldt urged policymakers.
Sidi Touré reinforced this vision, stating, “Hospitality is not weakness—it is strength and sound policy.” He reaffirmed his commitment to positioning migration as a catalyst for shared development across the continent.
The forum continued with panels exploring the legal, geopolitical and human dimensions of migration.