African refugees in Africa : perspectives, challenges and prospects

Abstract

With a generally deplorable record of governance, the refugee phenomenon is natural to Africa. Ironically 'independence' in the sixties and seventies exacerbated the problem. However, groundbreaking elections have been held in several African countries bringing hope to the millions. Although natural and particularly man-made factors continue to produce refugees in a number of countries, the trend generally is towards more stable societies. At the height of the problem in 1969, Africa responded with an African-tailored Convention. This Convention was intended to complement the UN Convention as well as to underscore the seriousness of the problem in the region. However, this was not replicated with equal energy in most local systems. African refugees and migrants in Africa continue to suffer from lack of protection. This article is an overview of refugee law and to an extent practice in relation to Africa. Previous writings on the subject have mostly focussed on African refugees in Europe and other places. The article is an attempt to focus the subject on refugees and migrants in Africa. Its conclusion is that while on paper Africa has done a lot to protect refugees within its borders at least judging by the two conventions, reality shows quite the contrary.