Rescuing migrants in Libya: Ghanaian state responses to the migration crisis

When war broke out in Libya in 2011, an estimated 1.5 million labour migrants from some 120 countries were affected. Sub-Saharan migrants – widely accused of being Gaddafi’s mercenaries – found themselves in particularly difficult circumstances. The upheavals in Mali, following the return of Touareg armed groups, are well-known. But what is the situation in other African States?

In this DIIS Working Paper, Dr George Bob-Milliar examines one particular case of sub-Saharan African migration to Libya, focusing on Ghana. Through a qualitative study of official documents, newspaper reports and in-depth interviews, the paper discusses Ghanaian migration and state responses within a political economy perspective, analysing the background and history of Ghanaian migration to Libya as well as of the evacuation of Ghanaian citizens following the war.

The Ghanaian case raises questions concerning why and how the state responds to their migrant populations in times of crises. Which rationalities and technologies are state interventions based upon? And which historical and contemporary mobility regimes and political economy do they reflect? Bob-Milliar argues that for the migrants, the consequences of returning home ‘empty-handed’ are dire. Many returnees have moved from a situation of political insecurity to one of economic insecurity, struggling to adjust back into their local communities. Meanwhile assistance from the various local government agencies and the IOM and UNDP is limited as is support from the Global North.

Dr George Bob-Milliar is a Ghanaian researcher affiliated to the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana. He was a guest researcher in the migration Unit at DIIS from August – October 2012.