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Organisers: Amanda Bisong, Cathrine Talleraas and Franzisca Zanker

Deadline 19th September 2024

Panel Abstract:

This panel aims to challenge and expand existing paradigms in African migration studies by focusing on migration governance as local, intangible, or informal (infra)structures and practices, while covering the diverse migration dynamics within the African continent. The objective is to move beyond the conventional focus on EU-Africa relations and externalization policies, centering instead on the experiences, strategies, and innovations originating within Africa and as a result of African agency. By doing so, the panel seeks to highlight the significance of African migration research in the global context and contribute to a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of migration governance. Potential areas of focus include exploring how migration is managed and organized locally, with an emphasis on indigenous practices, community responses, and the development of infrastructures that facilitate or regulate migration within and between African countries. Papers could target various regional or local migration flows, types, and modes, providing insights into the internal dynamics of migration, across types such as labour migration, forced displacement, urban migration, and so-called "irregular" migration. Discussions could also address the workings and logics of current structures or infrastructures surrounding African migration, their effects, challenges, or innovations that have emerged from African contexts. Historical perspectives on African migration governance are encouraged to provide deeper context for contemporary governance by exploring how past migrations influence current trends and modes of organization. Ultimately, the panel aims to decenter the current global research and policy narrative on migration governance by emphasizing the global relevance of African migration dynamics and underscoring the importance of African perspectives and contributions to migration studies.

For those interested in presenting a paper in this panel, please send us (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) a 250-word abstract along with the name(s), affiliation(s), and contact details of the author(s) by the 19th September at the latest.