European Union border technology in Africa: Experiences en route

Abstract

The EU externalisation policy on border management and migration control in Africa has increasingly relied on the use of technology in recent times. This paper examines how these technological interventions for border governance in Africa infringe on migrants' rights and mobility patterns. Exploring the effect of deployment of Migration Information Data Analysis System in Nigeria, risk analysis cells in Niger and biometric registration of migrants in Mauritania, the study finds infringements on the migration pattern of the people. The biometric exercise in Mauritania hampers the northward movement of mainly male migrants, aged between 18 and 46, who are mostly from Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Guinea Conakry and Mali. Data collected from these migrants, are shared on EU digital platforms, between IOM, Europol and FRONTEX, and can be used to facilitate their deportation as they approach Europe's border space. While emphasising the significance of this work on the geography of population movement, this paper argues that the use of EU-funded technological projects for border management infringes on the historical cross-border mobility in North and West Africa which is essential for socioeconomic exchanges and escaping conflicts. It highlights these restrictive practices as mirroring the hegemonic relationship between Europe and Africa that reinforces colonial-era violence at Africa's border space. The paper draws from non-participatory observation, instant interactions and 78 semi-structured interviews conducted with migrants, cross-border traders, government officials, civil society organisations, motorists, residents and the media along two major migration routes: between Nigeria and Niger and between Mauritania and Western Sahara (Morocco).