Mapping a Contextual Theology of African Migration

Twenty-first-century Africa is characterized by human migration that is driven by diverse factors, often including a search for better livelihood, exceptional opportunities and safe havens. In sub-Saharan Africa, human migration is largely occasioned by political crisis, economic privation, ecological disaster, violent conflict, religious persecution and oppressive norms. These circumstances force many Africans to flee their homelands and embark on illegal routes. The overarching hope of these migrants is finding greener pastures in nations of the Global North. African migrants, in their journey towards the Global North, are exposed to many dangers, often becoming victims of slave trade, human trafficking, sexual abuse or forced labour. Others die in transit and are buried in unmarked graves in the Sahel or are lost in the Mediterranean Sea. For the few who arrive at their destination, they are often designated as illegal aliens, asylum seekers, refugees or undocumented aliens. Human migration is now the drama of our times and a sign of the times for African Catholicism. This chapter examines the social context that drives African emigration and proposes a theological praxis for African Catholicism in its mission of fostering human dignity and integral human development.