Conclusion

Over the last 15 years, there has been incontestable increase in regular and irregular migration of West Africans to the Maghreb and Europe. Nevertheless, this study showed that trans-Mediterranean migration from Africa to Europe is not as new and massive as is commonly perceived. There is also no evidence that irregular migration from Africa to Europe is growing at an “alarming” rate. The available empirical evidence also dispels the general image of a massive exodus of desperate Africans fleeing war and poverty, who, in search of the European “El Dorado”, fall victim to merciless and unscrupulous smugglers and traffickers who deceive them about the perils of the journey through desert and sea.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions