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A sweeping shift in the European Union’s migration policy is drawing fierce criticism across Africa, as the EU proposes linking development aid to countries’ cooperation on border control and deportations.
Under the revised Global Europe instrument, nations that fail to prevent irregular migration or refuse to accept deportees could see vital funds slashed. Critics say this marks a coercive turn in EU-Africa relations. “Stop your people from migrating or lose aid — sounds to me like a message of cohesion and not cooperation,” said Dr. Maria Ayuk, a peace and security scholar. “This reduces the African nations to border guards rather than equal partners in development.” The EU’s migration budget for the next cycle triples to €74 billion, with the lion’s share — or €48 billion — earmarked for border enforcement. Frontex alone is expected to receive €12 billion. Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns take a back seat, and aid is increasingly used as leverage, not solidarity.
Experts warn the approach ignores root causes of migration: poverty, conflict, poor governance, and economic inequality. Therefore, “people will definitely have the urge to move,” said Ghana-based analyst Fidel Owusu. While European leaders push for tighter borders, resentment grows in Africa, where many see the policy as neo-colonial. Some warn it could drive African nations toward alternative alliances with BRICS countries. “Africa has the potential, and leverage exists,” Ayuk added. “The more [the EU] looks inwards for solutions, the more confrontational their policies become, and the more Africa moves towards the East,” said Owusu, referring to Africa’s deepening ties with emerging powers like China, India, and Russia.
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