The Malian government has reported that over 27,800 Malians have benefited from a voluntary return program since 2022. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Malians Living Abroad and African Integration, aims to facilitate the sustainable reintegration of Malians who have been living abroad. The program provides support for migrants to return to Mali, including assistance with transportation, accommodation, and access to basic services.
The program, known as the Migration, Protection, Return, and Reintegration in Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA), has also supported the return of 1,518 migrants in transit in Mali. In addition to facilitating voluntary returns, the program has provided over 14,000 economic reintegration projects, 10,000 vocational training sessions, and nearly 19,000 psychosocial assistance services. These interventions have been implemented in several regions, including Bamako, Kayes, and Gao.
The Minister of Malians Living Abroad and African Integration, Mosa Ag Attaher, has emphasized that the return of migrants should not be seen as an end in itself, but rather as a starting point for sustainable reintegration. He stressed the importance of addressing the psychosocial needs of returnees, as well as providing access to essential services, vocational training, and economic opportunities. The minister also called for a follow-up system to monitor the long-term impact of the program.
The European Union has been a key partner in supporting the MPRR-SSA program. The EU's ambassador to Mali highlighted the risks associated with irregular migration routes, citing recent tragedies such as the one in Ceuta, where over 100 people lost their lives. The ambassador emphasized the need for concerted action between countries of origin, transit, and destination to address the root causes of migration.
The EU has also launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening employment and training opportunities for young people in Mali. These include a €17 million program implemented by LuxDev, as well as the Borderlands program, which aims to enhance resilience, social cohesion, and cooperation in border regions. The ambassador stressed the importance of protecting migrants, combating human trafficking, and providing safe and regular migration routes.
Minister Mosa Ag Attaher also called for improved coordination between government agencies, local authorities, and international partners to ensure the effectiveness of the program. He emphasized the need for indicators to measure the long-term impact of the program, including the sustainability of economic activities, access to services, and the quality of reintegration.
The Malian government has acknowledged that while the program has made significant progress, much work remains to be done. The government has committed to continuing its efforts to support the reintegration of Malians who have been living abroad, with a focus on sustainable and long-term solutions. The program is seen as an important step towards addressing the complex issues surrounding migration in the region.
Key points
- Over 27,800 Malians have benefited from a voluntary return program since 2022.
- The program aims to facilitate sustainable reintegration, including access to essential services, vocational training, and economic opportunities.
- The European Union has been a key partner in supporting the program, with a focus on addressing the root causes of migration and promoting safe and regular migration routes.
