Migration, Europe, and the question of political and economic sovereignty in Africa

Abstract

SUMMARY This debate piece argues for the importance of labour internationalism and anti-imperialism in the anti-racist defence of migrants. A focus on the Sahel region shows some of the ways that core European states militarily, economically and politically undermine countries’ potential for self-determination. Border regimes, their modes of accumulation and selective labour policies expand militarism, social division and inequality between and within the regions. Challenges to these processes of global apartheid require attention to the national question and rejection of European imperialism, as indicated in recent pan-African calls for independence and popular sovereignty. This materialist analysis of migration in capitalism presents a basis for demanding equality of movement and the freedom and equality of societies facing capitalism-induced displacement.