Is West Africa Borderless? Non-State Actors in Intra-Regional Migration in the Sub-region

Fayomi, Oluyemi Oyenike and Ibhawoh, Bonny (2016) Is West Africa Borderless? Non-State Actors in Intra-Regional Migration in the Sub-region. Journaloflnternational Politics and Development, 14 (1&2). pp. 225-240. ISSN 1597-3544

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Abstract

The inter-state borders in West Africa remain mini "iron curtains" .and "narrow gates" through which migrants traverse with pain, stress and tears. Visa requirements have been removed but migrants continue to be confronted by customs and police harassment, resUlting in considerable economic loss and humiliation. They are a major cog in the wheel of the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS) dream of borderless WestAfrica. In January 2007, the Heads ofState of the member States ofECOWAS had reached an agreement that only two checkpoints should be maintained along common borders, but up till now, the agreement is yet to be implemented. This paper will utilise multi-methods which include ethnography and case study in analysing the intricacies surrounding the borders and ineffective Protocol on Free Movement in West Africa and the effects on the non-state actors. Ghanaian and Nigerian diasporas living in Nigerian and Ghana respectively are used as the case study of the non-state actors that move back and forth within the region. The implementation of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons by the governments of the ECOWAS member States and the officials at the borders will lead to borderless WestAfrica.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Mrs Patricia Nwokealisi
Date Deposited:	11 Sep 2017 13:05
Last Modified:	11 Sep 2017 13:05
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/9299

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