Outlet: Arab News

Language: English

Abstract: The surge in migration from the Sahara to southern Europe encapsulates contemporary struggles, marked by desperation and exploitation amidst geopolitical upheaval and humanitarian crises. This migration corridor, plagued by conflict and political instability, reflects broader security risks in the Sahel, North Africa, and beyond. The Sahel’s crises—extremism, environmental degradation, and poverty—fuel mass displacement and perilous journeys to Europe. Libya’s post-2011 chaos turned it into a key transit point, exacerbating human rights abuses and deaths. Tunisia's descent into autocracy worsens the migration crisis, with crackdowns on migrants and forced displacements highlighting the regime's disregard for humanitarian norms. Europe faces challenges in balancing democratic values with migration control, complicated by Russia's strategic maneuvers in the region. A fragmented European approach, reliant on deals with North African states, risks empowering autocrats and external powers. Effective migration management requires regional collaboration and cohesive policies to address shared challenges and stabilize affected regions.

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