SIHMA

Researching Human Migration across Africa

Loading, please wait...

09 Oct

SIHMA Press Review for September 2025

Africa

Bodies of five suspected migrants found in desert in northern Libya, aid groups say

Euro News

25 September 2025

Five decomposed bodies of suspected migrants, likely from Sudan, were recovered in Libya’s eastern desert near Tobruk, highlighting the deadly risks of the “death journey” across the Great Sand Sea. Libya, a key transit point for migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East, continues to witness frequent tragedies, including 61 drownings off Zuwara’s coast last December and seven Sudanese deaths in May after being stranded in the desert. The IOM estimates around 787,000 migrants and refugees were in Libya in 2024, while UNHCR reported over 32,000 crossings to Europe in 2021. With migration pressures mounting, the EU has proposed expanding Frontex staffing by 30,000 to strengthen border security.

Link: https://www.euronews.com/2025/09/25/bodies-of-five-suspected-migrants-found-in-desert-in-northern-libya-aid-groups-say

Over 8,000 refugees affected by Gbinyiri crisis return home from Ivory Coast – Minister

Ghana Business News

16 September 2025

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that about 8,000 Ghanaian refugees have returned home from the Ivory Coast following the Gbinyiri crisis in the Savannah Region. Of the 13,253 displaced, 5,309 remain in the Ivory Coast, while around 1,455 are still in Burkina Faso. Ablakwa, after a three-day visit to the Ivory Coast, conveyed President Mahama’s message of peace and urged refugees to return, assuring improved security. He donated 6 million CFA for urgent needs, in addition to relief items provided by NADMO. Ghana’s Foreign Ministry pledged continued collaboration with Ivorian and Burkinabe authorities to protect displaced citizens, stressing that no Ghanaian in distress will be ignored.

Link: https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2025/09/16/over-8000-refugees-affected-by-gbinyiri-crisis-return-home-from-ivory-coast-minister/

Uganda continues to welcome refugees despite diminishing funds

UNHCR

09 September 2025

Uganda’s Kiryandongo centre is overwhelmed as hundreds of refugees arrive daily from Sudan, South Sudan, and the DRC. Nearly 2 million refugees, half children, strain schools, health services, and food supplies, with malnutrition rising. Volunteers like Abdalla Mohamed and teachers such as Sarah Baako Taban support overcrowded communities, while youth like Sojoud Ibrahim fight to continue education. UNHCR warns funding shortfalls threaten aid and refugee education, urging urgent global support.

Link: https://www.unhcr.org/news/stories/uganda-continues-welcome-refugees-despite-diminishing-funds

 

Southern Africa

Sex work and abuse: the women trapped in Malawi’s growing refugee camp

The Guardian

16 September 2025

At Malawi’s overcrowded Dzaleka camp, over 58,000 refugees face worsening hunger and violence due to donor cuts. Cash aid has been halved, leaving most to eat once a day, while resettlement opportunities have collapsed, with only 450 expected to relocate this year. Survivors like Francine and Judith, scarred by trauma and forced into sex work, feel abandoned as conditions drive rising domestic violence and child theft. Malawi considers reforms to allow refugees to work outside camps, but many fear starting over again, voicing frustration at years of neglect.

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/16/refugees-camp-malawi-dzaleka-aid-unhcr-sex-work-domestic-violence

‘For little Shayna:’ Rifle artist connects to Zimbabwe roots through whimsical creations

Post Independent

14 September 2025

Shayna Oosthuysen, raised on a Zimbabwean farm, lost her home when her family sought asylum in the U.S. at age 11. Struggling to adjust, she turned to art as her outlet, later embracing it full time under Flame Lily Works, named after Zimbabwe’s resilient national flower. Her colorful, whimsical paintings reconnect her to childhood in Africa and celebrate neurodivergence through her collection All Brains Are Beautiful. Selling at local markets and online, she hopes her work inspires joy, belonging, and resilience.

Link: https://www.postindependent.com/news/for-little-shayna-rifle-artist-connects-to-zimbabwe-roots-through-whimsical-creations/

New UNHCR Report shows progress in refugee inclusion across Southern Africa, but sustained support needed to keep momentum

UNHCR

5 September 2025

UNHCR reports progress in Southern Africa on refugee inclusion, with 11.5 million displaced people now in the region. Countries are integrating refugees into health, education, agriculture, and social protection systems, while regional cooperation through SADC and COMESA grows. Examples include Zambia extending health insurance, Malawi and Mozambique enrolling refugee children in schools, and Angola and South Africa including refugees in registration systems. Despite gains, fragile services and funding shortfalls threaten sustainability, with UNHCR urging stronger policies, financing, and partnerships to support both refugees and host communities.

Link: https://www.unhcr.org/africa/news/press-releases/new-unhcr-report-shows-progress-refugee-inclusion-across-southern-africa

 

South Africa

South Africa Minister Questions Free Care for Undocumented Migrants

Bloomberg

29 September 2025

South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana questioned free healthcare for undocumented migrants, saying limited resources should prioritize citizens and that those without legal status should be sent home. He noted the 1996 constitution obliges services for all, calling it a “grave mistake.” His remarks follow South Africa’s history of xenophobic violence and recent reports of foreigners being chased from clinics. He also said the Treasury is reviewing spending to curb waste, citing the Department of Arts and Culture’s many taxpayer-funded institutions as needing reform.

Link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-29/s-africa-minister-questions-free-care-for-undocumented-migrants

Operation Dudula Delivers Notices to Soweto Schools Warning Against Admitting Undocumented Children in 2026

Central News

23 September 2025

Operation Dudula delivered notices to Soweto schools warning against enrolling undocumented migrant children for 2026, arguing limited resources should prioritize South Africans. The Gauteng Education Department condemned the move, stressing that all children have a constitutional right to education regardless of immigration status. Activists and rights groups called the campaign discriminatory, warning it risks excluding vulnerable learners and fueling xenophobia, while legal frameworks continue to guarantee access to schooling for every child.

Link: https://centralnews.co.za/operation-dudula-delivers-notices-to-soweto-schools-warning-against-admitting-undocumented-children-in-2026/

Chinese nationals jailed over kidnapping and forced labour in South Africa

BBC

10 September 2025

Seven Chinese nationals were sentenced to 20 years in South Africa for trafficking Malawians into forced labour. Arrested in 2019, they had confined 91 victims, including 37 children, in a Johannesburg factory under abusive conditions, long hours, below-minimum wages, and no freedom to leave. Convicted on 158 counts, they also violated labour laws and smuggled workers in shipping containers. Authorities hailed the ruling as a major step against South Africa’s growing human trafficking crisis

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20v3n7wllzo

 

Categories:
Tags:

Post Categories

Posts by Tags