The United Kingdom is intensifying efforts in Africa to prevent the arrival of small boats from the continent.
During her inaugural trip to Africa as Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper will concentrate on addressing factors such as conflict and lack of employment that drive individuals to undertake perilous journeys. The Foreign Office reported that approximately 30% of small boat arrivals in the past two years originated from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan.
Ms. Cooper’s visit to Ethiopia will highlight the importance of achieving regional stability and sustainable development to alleviate migratory pressures from Africa to Europe. She will engage in discussions with the African Union and African foreign ministers to enhance cooperation on conflict prevention and resolution to deter forced displacement due to war and persecution.
Additionally, the Cabinet minister will prioritize job creation during her trip to mitigate the incentives prompting migration. Ms. Cooper emphasized the collaborative efforts to combat the economic incentives of illegal migration and disrupt criminal networks profiting from human trafficking.
As part of her itinerary, she will meet with Safaricom, a telecommunications company supported by a British consortium, including Vodafone and British International Investment (BII). These UK-backed companies are instrumental in providing employment opportunities within Ethiopia to discourage overseas migration.
Ms. Cooper will also outline the UK’s initiatives to reinforce collaboration with Ethiopian authorities in combatting brokers and criminal syndicates facilitating illegal migration to Europe and the UK. Furthermore, she will address measures to expedite the repatriation of Ethiopian nationals lacking legal status in the UK.
During her stay in Ethiopia, Ms. Cooper will announce £5 million in humanitarian aid to combat violence against women and girls, particularly in conflict zones, and £4 million for life-saving assistance to 68,000 children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition. An additional £8 million will be allocated for improving access to clean water, food production, and the establishment of medical centers and hospitals for displaced populations.
