Migration Diplomacy: Liberation Struggle, Migration Governance and Diplomatic Relations in Southern Africa

Kekgaoditse Suping pointed out in the chapter about the role of migration in facilitating relations between nation-states and communities in Southern Africa, and Africa in general. Migrant workers, traders and merchants have contributed to socioeconomic development in host countries and those of their origin. Political instabilities and economic hardships resulted in migrants searching for refuge in other states. The control of transboundary migration flows has proved to be a challenge to relations among states and other stakeholders. The management of migrants in host countries often triggers controversies, conflicts, resource-access tensions and policy changes, that often threaten relations between nation-states, especially in cases of discriminatory and xenophobic sentiments. Using Southern Africa as a case, this study argues that the Southern African region can leverage migration flows to improve diplomatic relations.