IOM RO Dakar- COVID 19 Response Situation Report 6 (30 April 2020)
West and Central Africa presents dynamic migratory patterns and has a long history of intraregional mobility. West Africa provides a compelling example of intraregional migration flows in sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated 80-90 per cent of migratory movements mainly linked to employment taking place within the sub-region alone. In addition, populations living along borders within the region, including the Sahel, often originate from the same historical and social groups and share similar socio-economic and cultural interests. Hence, borders across the region remain symbolic for a majority of the populations. At least, until the COVID-19 broke out. Travel restrictions put in place by governments across the region have had an impact at different levels. From January to March 2020, the flow monitoring points (FMP) located in 35 key transit areas show a 28% decrease of travels. Most border crossings are halted, except for a few border posts across which goods are still transiting to be sold at skyrocketing prices. Border communities see their economy plummeting and herders are stranded at borders. Preventive measures have also reduced the populations’ access to health services, and aid delivery has experienced delays.