Is migration a problem?
Thousands of Africans risk their lives, using illegal and dangerous means, to leave the continent. Should Europe open its

borders to migrants?

So far this year, more than 10,000 Africans have taken a precarious journey, in a rickety boat, in the hope of getting to

Europe. Thousands have died along the way.

It is estimated that a further 80,000 are waiting to make similar crossings from the coastlines of various African states.

Ministers from the European Union and Africa will meet on Monday to work on a plan to cease the illegal flow.

Are migrants really a problem for Europe? Does Europe actually need them to do the jobs that their own citizens won't?

What about the responsibility of African governments? Are they doing enough to keep people at home? What effect does

migration have on Africa?

The debate is now closed, thank-you for your comments

Your comments:

Economic hardship and dire poverty has time and time again led to the desperate act of African people risking their lives in

search of a "better life" and ways to feed and clothe their families. Until the issues surrounding poverty and economic

instability are addressed by the African governments and the global community at large, this so-called migration problem will

not cease to exist.
Nyokabi, Kenyan Londoner

Europe came to Africa without invitation, visa or immigration requirements--fought the natives when they wanted to protect

their land and took over their natural resources, branded them bad and primitive, enslaved them and all. Now, an African

wants better life which he cannot get in Africa, goes on a risky trip to Europe where he will look for a cheap job to make

ends meet(under very strict visa requirements), doesn't even fight the natives but just wants to be part of their society and

earn some money and Europe has a problem with that!
Yvonne, Germany

Migration of any race to any place is never a problem, it is rather rich to have diversity in one place. The problem is that

People always label a race, religion or a culture because of one experience they lived with a member of those groups. As a

Burundian citizen, I came to the UK in 1999 and found it very interesting to interact with people from different race. After

all, God is the creator of Human race, we are all equal in his eyes.
Desire Katihabwa, New Barnet, UK

European countries should not actually complain of African migrants because, all looted African wealth is invested in

Europe. While this wealth boosts European economies, it impoverishes African countries and citizens.
Ahamefula Ken Mbaeri, Lagos, Nigeria

I think it is the responsibility of the African Union to move Africa forward so that its people will see the need to

stay in Africa and contribute in its development.
Sigismond Wilson, USA
Until African governments regard themselves as servants of the people and not masters of their electorate, stemming

desperate migrants will be an uphill task. Corruption, Nepotism and senseless wars must be stopped. Socio-economic

development should be the main focus in Africa. I think it is the responsibility of the African Union to move Africa forward

so that its people will see the need to stay in Africa and contribute in its development.
Sigismond Wilson, Sierra Leonean in USA

No, African migrants are not a problem to either Europe or any western nation. Africans will continue risk their lives no

matter how dangerous the road to Europe is. God bless Africa!!
Peter Tuach, Minnesota, USA

African immigrants are not a problem. They are trying to survive. They are just looking for opportunity which they don't have

in their own country. It is all about survival of the fittest. What we are seeing today is clear evidence that African

governments are not doing enough to create jobs and other opportunities for the general populace hence the need for

migration.
Omorodion Osula, Boston, USA

The first slave that was ever sold had a "Black Man Identity", it is heart-breaking that the black man hardly has a value

either at home or abroad. Europe can tag us "problem" now, but they asked for it
Sam, St Catharines

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/5142964.stm

Published: 2006/07/07 15:54:52 GMT

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