The Problems of Refugees in Africa

AFRICA IS GOING through a critical period of adversity. Being uprooted is not a new phenomenon but in recent decades it is the direct outcome of the struggle for independence from colonial rule and the ethnic upheavals that were previously suppressed. Artificial borders and political structures are some of the causes. Almost all of Africa is involved either by producing or receiving refugees, or both.

The economic consequences of these conflicts impede the social adjustment of refugees in their country of refuge and/or the development of the countries involved. A great deal of material resources are put to waste in conflict while nationals and refugees alike live in poverty.

The importance of the world refugee problem was brought to international attention during World War II and, in peace time, the United Nations adopted the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees to promote the interests of refugees in Europe. Later in the same decade, the refugee problem in Africa reached unmanageable proportions and later still, the United Nations developed the Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees in 1967 as an extension to the convention in order to promote the interests of African refugees. Since then, African governments have created the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and developed the OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa (1969). National governments within the OAU have adopted national refugee policies based on these conventions for guidance and management of refugees in their territories.

The first half of the book focuses on the problems of refugees in Africa and proposes means of finding solutions. The basic causes are shown to be political issues of international dimension, and governments need to be urged to resolve conflicts and ensure lasting peace. For refugees themselves, the problems are physical hardship and bitter experiences, and meaningful national refugee policies and a spirit of brotherhood would give assurances of safety until such time as the displaced are able to return to their homelands.

Initially, the nature of conflicts in Africa are highlighted, particularly during the period of transition from colonialism to independence and in the post-independence era. Then the criteria by which refugee status is granted to the uprooted are examined, as well as a look at the various
humanitarian issues which protect others who may not qualify for refugee status. The experiences of refugees are discussed: how many adjust to life in refuge; the problems that they may encounter; and the forms of protection and material support which refugees receive in compliance with their legal rights under the International Refugee Convention are also set out. Lastly, the value and effectiveness of existing refugee policies in some African countries is assessed, the relevance of refugee policies endorsed and proposals set out for meaningful policies in the best interests of refugees.

The second half of the book consists of 15 appendices covering the various conventions, protocols and national acts relating to refugees as well as statistics relating to numbers and distribution of refugees in Africa.