The EU and the Horn of Africa: Migration in the middle

“[I]t is a partnership of equals, where both sides share opportunities and responsibilities. Africa will be a key partner in building the world we want to live in – whether on climate, digital or trade,” stated President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen, during her speech at the State of The Union conference on Monday 16 September in front of the European Parliament. This is the guideline that the Commission means to take forward this year with regard to relations between the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU).

News Highlights: Refugees return from Yemen back to Djibouti; Dozens feared dead after boat sinks off Libyan coast; First COVID-19 death in Greek camp

In this week’s news highlights: Thousands of migrants and refugees arrive in Djibouti after suffering abuses trying to reach Saudi Arabia; At least 15 killed in an armed attack in Ethiopia; migrants drowned after boat capsized off the Libyan coast; NGO staff accused of smuggling in Greece; Tensions arise after first COVID-19 death at Malakasa camp in Greece; Alan Kurdi rescue boat docks in Sardinia, Italy; Lesbian refugee wins trial in the UK after unlawful deportation to Uganda; East German city to host asylum seekers in spite of rise of far-right movements; Remote Ascension Island considered among attempts by UK government to remotely host refugees; Italian warship, deployed to combat human smugglers, caught with contraband in 2018; Open letter to UK prime minister for changing family reunification law; “Anchor baby” argument devalues migrant womens’ journey; VODAN successfully achieves and stores patient data visit across continents.

News Highlights: EU’s ‘no more roads’ approach in Eritrea, Amnesty publishes report on cycle of abuse in Libya, New European migration pact introduced

In this week’s news highlights: Human rights organization revokes lawsuit against EU for road-building in Eritrea, after EU announces ‘no more roads’ approach; 5 Sudanese artists convicted; Missing prisoners in Eritrea memorialized digitally; Review of book series on mobility and human trafficking by Dan Connell; EU imposes sanctions for human rights violations in Libya; Amnesty calls for the EU to reconsider collaboration with Libya; Rescue ship rescues 133 migrants and refugees, 128 others returned to Libya; New EU migration pact introduced; Italian authorities restrains Sea-Watch 4 ship; Italy makes deal with Tunisia to return 500-600 people monthly; UK Home Office lifts ban on evicting asylum seekers that have been denied status; Protests in Germany to receive more migrants; Intolerance of migrants increases.