萨赫勒 ： 欧洲的另一个边界

CIDOB's "Internacionales" publication analyzes Europe's border management strategies in the Sahel region, contrasting them with traditional Mediterranean migration routes. The report highlights the effectiveness of the EU's "Fortress Europe" strategy in reducing migration to European shores, but raises concerns about the human, economic, and counterproductive costs.

The Sahel region, located between the Sahara Desert and the African savannah, is home to some of the world's poorest countries. The EU has sought to curb migration from these areas through a combination of security measures, deterrence tactics, and international development aid. However, this approach has been criticized for ignoring the root causes of migration and focusing too much on short-term outcomes.

The report argues that the "border outsourcing" strategy is based on a "push-pull" model, suggesting that increased development will reduce migration. However, historical evidence contradicts this assumption. Increased investment may lead to more displacement in the short and medium term, rather than decreased migration. The report uses Niger as an example, where despite being considered the world's poorest country, it has low migration rates to Europe, indicating that migration patterns are complex and influenced by various factors.

International organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) play a dual role, combining humanitarian assistance with the enforcement of border control. Their actions have seen a significant decrease in migration through Niger, with a reported 90% reduction in 2018. However, this success comes at a high cost, including economic burdens, human rights violations, and the destabilization of vulnerable territories. The report raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of these strategies and suggests that they might not address the root causes of migration.

In conclusion, the Sahel region presents a unique challenge for European migration policy, requiring a nuanced approach that addresses the complex interplay between economic development, security, and human mobility. The report advocates for a revision of the migration and development paradigm, emphasizing the need for policies that consider the broader social, economic, and environmental factors influencing migration patterns.