Staff Reporter
The Director General of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Ms. Amy Pope, paid a historic courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare on Tuesday.
The discussions centred on the pressing issues of migration drivers, including climate change and conflict, and strategies to address them.
Founded in 1951 in response to post-World War II displacement in Europe, the IOM now boasts over 160 member states and addresses migration challenges worldwide, including in Africa.
Ms. Pope’s visit marked the first time in the organisation’s 73-year history that an IOM Director General has visited Zimbabwe.
“I am the first Director General to visit Zimbabwe, and I’m here because of the country’s importance in responding to migration issues, whether regionally or nationally,” said Ms. Pope after her meeting with the President.
She highlighted the significance of President Mnangagwa’s leadership role as the current chair of SADC, emphasising the need for peace and stability in the region to curb migration challenges.
The discussions also touched on engaging Zimbabwe’s diaspora and creating pathways for their reintegration into the country.
Ms. Pope emphasised the need to maximise the contributions of Zimbabweans living abroad.
“We spoke about creating regular migration pathways to harness regional and global opportunities. This includes enabling people to work abroad and send remittances home. Additionally, engaging the diaspora and welcoming them back is vital to leveraging their skills, networks, and resources for Zimbabwe’s development,” she said.
With climate change and conflict identified as significant contributors to global migration, Ms. Pope stressed the urgency of supporting affected communities.
“We are witnessing record numbers of displacements due to storms, desertification, and flooding. Developing interventions to assist communities impacted by climate change is crucial. Similarly, conflict, such as the ongoing crisis in Sudan, has displaced millions, creating dire humanitarian challenges,” she noted.
IOM’s mission focuses on promoting humane and orderly migration while fostering international cooperation to address migration issues. Ms. Pope’s visit underscores Zimbabwe’s role in addressing these global challenges and enhancing regional stability.
