The Malian government recently hosted the 3rd session of the steering committee for the Migration Protection, Return, and Reintegration in Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) program. The meeting, chaired by Mali's Minister of Malians Living Abroad and African Integration, Mossa Ag Attaher, brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Union. The committee reviewed the program's progress and identified priorities for the coming months.
The MPRR-SSA program focuses on four main areas: protecting vulnerable individuals upon arrival, coordinating actions with Malian authorities and partners, integrating returnees into national employment and training systems, and providing long-term support for reintegration. Since 2022, the program has supported the return of 1,518 migrants in transit and facilitated the voluntary return of over 27,800 Malian migrants. Additionally, it has supported more than 14,000 economic reintegration projects, 10,000 vocational training sessions, and provided nearly 19,000 psychosocial assistance services.
The IOM's Mali chief of mission, Boubacar Seybou, emphasized the complexities of migration dynamics and the need for collective responsibility to protect individuals and reduce vulnerability factors. He noted that the MPRR-SSA program aims to provide durable solutions for those who choose to return to their country with dignity. The European Union's ambassador to Mali, Alberto Cerezo, highlighted the importance of cooperation between countries of origin, transit, and destination to protect people, combat trafficking, and promote regular and safe migration.
Minister Mossa Ag Attaher stressed that Mali is a country of origin, transit, destination, and return, and that a concerted migration governance approach is necessary to ensure dignity and respect for human rights. He emphasized the need for continued support beyond the initial months of return, including psychosocial care, access to essential services, and adapted training and employment opportunities. The minister called on participants to provide concrete recommendations on the sustainability of supported activities and the monitoring of beneficiaries after their return.
The committee meeting aimed to build on the progress made since the program's inception and to define priorities for the coming months. The participants sought to ensure that the program's activities are aligned with national priorities and that its impact is sustainable. The MPRR-SSA program has made significant strides in supporting the reintegration of Malian migrants, and the committee's recommendations are expected to further enhance the program's effectiveness.
The Malian government has demonstrated its commitment to protecting migrants and promoting their reintegration. The program's focus on economic reintegration, vocational training, and psychosocial support reflects the government's efforts to address the complex needs of returnees. The committee's discussions are expected to inform the program's future activities and ensure that it continues to meet the evolving needs of Malian migrants.
The 3rd session of the MPRR-SSA steering committee concluded with a renewed commitment to protecting and reintegrating Malian migrants. The program's achievements and challenges were discussed, and priorities for the coming months were identified. The committee's recommendations are expected to contribute to the development of a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to migration governance in Mali.
Key points
- The MPRR-SSA program has supported the return of 1,518 migrants in transit and facilitated the voluntary return of over 27,800 Malian migrants since 2022.
