Sub-Saharan Africa faces a significant challenge in the latter half of the 2020s, with over 200 million young people experiencing severe underemployment or outright joblessness. This demographic reality shows widespread economic difficulties across the continent, contributing to various social and political pressures. The persistent struggles for economic stability and opportunity for its youth population are a critical point of concern for many nations within the region, often manifesting in heightened competition for scarce resources and employment. This intense competition can, unfortunately, be a fertile ground for the emergence of xenophobic sentiments, as local populations may perceive foreign nationals as direct competitors for limited opportunities. The inability of economies to absorb this burgeoning youth demographic into productive employment pathways places immense strain on social cohesion and national governance structures, making societies more susceptible to internal strife and exclusionary policies.
Historical Echoes of Expulsion
The phenomenon of large-scale expulsions of foreign nationals is not new to the African continent. Ghana enacted the Aliens Compliance Order in 1969 under Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia, requiring all undocumented aliens to leave the country within two weeks. This directive established a significant precedent for large-scale expulsions on the continent, demonstrating how national policy can be swiftly deployed to manage perceived demographic or economic pressures. Years later, a similar and equally impactful event occurred in Nigeria, where the 1983 expulsion order led to the widespread use of iconic blue-and-red woven plastic bags, colloquially known as "Ghana Must Go" bags, by those forced to depart. This Nigerian directive specifically targeted Ghanaian migrants, resulting in the forced departure of more than one million Ghanaians from Nigeria, a stark reminder of the human cost of such policies. Historically, such tensions are not unique to Africa. During the Cold War era, racial clashes were also reported at the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University in Moscow, indicating that issues of identity, belonging, and competition for resources have manifested in various contexts beyond the African continent. This pattern of expulsions and social friction shows a recurring theme in global governance and human migration, noting the universal challenges associated with managing diverse populations and economic disparities. These historical events serve as critical case studies, offering insights into the complex interplay of national sovereignty, economic pressures, and human rights in the context of migration.
Internal Governance Deficits
A persistent shortfall in formal employment opportunities across Africa contributes significantly to economic instability. For every eleven young Africans entering the workforce, only three formal jobs are generated, according to data. This alarming disparity notes a significant challenge in absorbing the continent's growing youth population into the formal economy. Such pressures are often exacerbated by the prevalence of informal and sometimes illicit economic activities, which proliferate in the absence of strong formal sector growth. In Ghana, for instance, the issue of "galamsey," or illegal small-scale mining, illustrates how a lack of formal sector prospects can push individuals into unregulated and environmentally damaging industries. These activities not only bypass official economic frameworks, depriving states of revenue and regulatory control, but also often lead to social tensions and resource conflicts, further straining governance structures. The inability to provide sufficient formal employment pathways remains a critical internal governance deficit, driving various societal challenges, including increased crime rates, social unrest, and a general erosion of public trust in state institutions. Addressing this fundamental economic imbalance is key for fostering long-term stability and reducing the underlying drivers of conflict and xenophobia.
The Pragmatism of Statecraft
Modern international relations are often shaped by the pragmatic principles of national interest, domestic socioeconomic pressures, and the pursuit of reciprocal economic benefits. This approach acknowledges that states prioritize their own stability and prosperity when engaging with others, often making decisions based on immediate national needs rather than abstract ideals. Historically, such pragmatism has manifested in various forms of interstate cooperation and support, even amidst broader challenges. For example, in 1958, Kwame Nkrumah extended a £10 million loan to Guinea, illustrating a form of solidarity and strategic investment between newly independent African nations. This type of financial assistance shows how leaders have historically utilized economic tools to foster alliances and pursue broader geopolitical objectives, often with an eye on mutual advantage and regional stability. This pragmatic lens helps explain why nations might, at times, implement policies that appear harsh, such as expulsions, when faced with overwhelming domestic pressures, even if such actions contradict principles of regional solidarity. The balance between national interest and regional cooperation remains a constant tension in African statecraft, influencing responses to migration, trade, and security.
Call for Introspection and Reform
In 1983, Nigeria issued an expulsion order that specifically targeted Ghanaian migrants within its borders. This directive resulted in the forced departure of more than one million Ghanaians from Nigeria. The event noted the complex and sometimes tense dynamics of migration and national policy within the African continent during that period, serving as a stark reminder of the potential for intra-African tensions. Such historical precedents show the urgent need for African nations to engage in deep introspection regarding their governance models and economic strategies. The recurring patterns of xenophobia and mass expulsions demand a concerted effort to build more inclusive economies and strong social safety nets that can withstand demographic pressures. Without fundamental reforms aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities and fostering a sense of shared prosperity, the cycle of internal strife and outward blame is likely to persist, undermining the continent’s potential for collective growth and stability.
