The Beninese government is collaborating with Equatorial Guinean authorities to facilitate the safe repatriation of Beninese migrants facing difficult conditions.
Through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Benin has taken steps to bring home several dozen migrants currently stranded in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, after their attempt to reach Gabon ended in a maritime crisis.
The group, comprising 87 people—including nationals from Togo and Burkina Faso—was left adrift for nearly 20 days after running out of fuel. The boat’s captain, who left in search of fuel, never returned. Without food or water, the migrants endured a life-threatening ordeal until they were rescued by local authorities in Bata.
Following the October 2, 2024 Council of Ministers meeting, the Beninese government approved the implementation of a repatriation operation. Officials have urged the migrants to remain patient and cooperative as arrangements for their safe return are finalized.
The government also used this opportunity to stress the dangers of irregular immigration.
Gilbert Yisséssou Sagbo, Vice President of the Beninese community in Equatorial Guinea, had earlier called for swift intervention from the Beninese authorities.
In response, the government has deployed resources to ensure the safe return of their citizens.
The growing trend of intra-African migration, driven by economic opportunities, climate change, and rural exodus, has seen a significant rise.
According to a report by Wendy Williams titled Migration Trends to Watch in Africa in 2024, intra-African migration has surged by 44% since 2010, with countries like South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria being popular destinations.
Climate change, in particular, has reduced agricultural productivity by 34% in sub-Saharan Africa and is expected to be a key factor behind cross-border migration by 2050.