The growing pressure on Chile’s northern border

Over the past several years, Chile’s northern frontier has become one of the main migration routes into the country. Thousands of migrants, many travelling from Venezuela, Haiti and other parts of Latin America, have crossed through Bolivia before entering Chile via remote border points in the Andean plateau.

For Kast’s government, the situation represents a serious challenge to national security and state capacity. Officials argue that irregular crossings are linked not only to humanitarian migration but also to organised crime networks, including human trafficking, smuggling and drug transport routes operating across the Andean region.

The proposed border measures, therefore, go beyond a simple wall. The plan includes trenches, high fencing, electronic surveillance systems, drones and an expanded military presence along vulnerable sections of the frontier.

A difficult border to control

The border between Chile and Bolivia runs for roughly 860 kilometres across one of the most inhospitable landscapes in the world. Much of it cuts through high-altitude desert terrain in the Atacama Desert, where temperatures fluctuate dramatically, and infrastructure is scarce.

Policing such terrain has always been difficult. Even today, large sections of the frontier remain largely unmonitored.

For critics, this raises doubts about the practical effectiveness of building walls in such an environment . They argue that migration routes tend to adapt quickly to new barriers, often shifting to more remote or dangerous paths.

Regional and diplomatic implications

The proposal has also generated discussion in Bolivia, where some officials and analysts worry about the potential diplomatic impact of a heavily fortified border.

Relations between the two countries have long been shaped by historical tensions dating back to the War of the Pacific, which left Bolivia landlocked after losing its coastline to Chile.

Although trade and cross-border movement have continued in the decades since, the idea of a physical barrier raises concerns about the future dynamics of mobility and cooperation in the region.

At the same time, migration across the Andes is rarely a purely bilateral issue. Many migrants travelling through Bolivia have already crossed several countries before reaching Chile, making the phenomenon part of a much broader regional migration system.

Thailand’s gross domestic product surpassed forecasts in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven primarily by strong performance in the industrial and retail sectors. The briefing notes that full-year economic growth reached 2.4%, supported by investment momentum and targeted electric vehicle incentives. Government stimulus measures and rising exports also contributed to the stronger-than-expected performance. The data reflect a broader recovery pattern, with industrial output and domestic consumption playing central roles. Export growth and state-led economic stimulus were key pillars underpinning the expansion.

Investment momentum and EV incentives shape economic recovery

Thailand’s economy ended 2025 stronger than expected, boosting confidence in the new government. Data from the NESDC showed GDP grew 2.5% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, up from 1.2% in Q3 and above market forecasts. Investment drove the late-year rebound, jumping 8.1% in the fourth quarter, the fastest pace since 2016 and up from 1.4% in Q3. Private investment rose 6.5%, led by spending on industrial machinery and office equipment as business confidence improved. The government’s EV 3.0 incentive scheme also spurred demand, with consumers rushing to buy electric vehicles before subsidies expired, lifting durable goods spending 12.2%. Overall household consumption grew 3.3%, supported by low inflation and loose monetary policy despite high household debt.

Demographic shift towards an ageing society pressures labour and welfare systems

Thailand’s population growth has slowed to 0.42% , the lowest rate since the census began, according to preliminary results from the National Statistical Office’s 2025 population and household census. The 12th population census and sixth household census recorded 70.3 million people and 26.3 million households. While the population is still rising, growth is slowing sharply, with annual births significantly down compared with previous years.

Security operations intensify along the northern and eastern borders

Smuggling syndicates along the Malaysia–Thailand border in Kelantan have shifted tactics, using sea routes and landing along the Kelantan River after tighter security at the Golok River. PGA Southeast Brigade Commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said syndicates are now bringing illegal immigrants by boat through tributaries to remote villages away from monitoring posts. Between Jan 1 and February 13, the PGA arrested 84 illegal immigrants (75 men, nine women). The largest group were Myanmar nationals (31), followed by Bangladeshis (19), Thais (17), Nepalis (10), Indians (4), Indonesians (2), and one Nigerian.

Government sets 2026 export targets

Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is aiming for Bt142bn in exports in 2026 through about 700 initiatives. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij said the plan could support over 294,500 Thai businesses. Measures include online promotion via thaitrade.com, trade fairs, business matching, overseas outreach, and franchise support. A US trade mission will run from February 24–28, with firms such as Otis McAllister Inc. joining talks on boosting Thai exports. In March, the Thailand’s Best Friend Project will honour around 20 major global importers, while the Special Task Force Project will target new markets including China, India, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, plus Africa and Latin America.

According to ICE’s data , 56 people died in ICE custody between 2009 and 2017, during the Obama administration. From 2017 to 2020, under the first Trump administration, the number was 52. Between 2021 and 2024, during the Biden administration, ICE reported 26 deaths.

What emerges from ICE records and independent investigations is a pattern of medical vulnerability. Many of those who died had chronic illnesses, mental health conditions , or were recovering from trauma linked to migration and detention.

Causes of death listed by ICE include heart attacks, suicide, COVID-19 complications, dehydration, and other untreated or poorly managed medical conditions. Reviews cited by NPR and the American Immigration Lawyers Association have repeatedly found delays in care, ignored complaints, and failures to transfer detainees to hospitals in time.

What is obvious is how little this pattern changes with political leadership. Every administration has pledged improvements to detention standards, yet deaths continue to occur.

Immigration lawyers argue that detention itself is the central risk factor. Facilities are not designed to provide long-term or complex medical care, yet they routinely hold people with serious health needs.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association and other advocacy groups continue to push for alternatives to detention, particularly for asylum seekers and medically vulnerable individuals. They point to evidence that community-based supervision is not only safer but also more cost-effective and humane.

The record shows that deaths in ICE custody are not isolated incidents tied to a single president or policy shift. They are a recurring outcome of a detention system with longstanding medical failures and weak accountability.

The most pressing question now is no longer how the numbers compare across administrations, but why preventable deaths continue to happen in the first place..

The MEDP includes a dispute-resolution clause that allows for arbitration. According to Rwanda, the dispute relates to the UK’s non-compliance with specific commitments under the treaty.

In June 2024, the UK and Rwanda exchanged diplomatic notes agreeing to two financial contributions of £50 million each, scheduled for April 2025 and April 2026. These payments were intended to support refugee hosting and economic integration in Rwanda. Rwanda asserts that the UK has failed to make these payments.

The agreement also included arrangements for the UK to resettle some of the most vulnerable refugees hosted in Rwanda. However, these arrangements were never finalised. 

Following the January 2024 election, the new UK government announced that the partnership would be discontinued. 

Rwanda argues that these announcements were made before the treaty's formal termination procedures were followed and that all obligations incurred while the treaty was active remain valid under international law.

Rwanda says it first attempted to resolve the issue through diplomatic engagement. When no agreement was reached, it proceeded to initiate arbitration, as provided by the treaty. 

The UK had originally proposed the MEDP as part of its strategy to manage irregular migration. The plan was consistent with Rwanda’s refugee policies and aligned with its cooperation with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Michael Butera, Chief Technical Advisor to Rwanda’s Minister of Justice, said: “Rwanda attempted at first to clarify positions and explore possible paths forward, indicating openness to discussion, including on the orderly conclusion of the partnership, provided that any arrangements were mutually agreed and legally consistent.” 

“As these discussions did not result in a shared understanding, we exercised the dispute-resolution option expressly provided in the treaty,” he told the New Times .

Regarding the expected outcome, Butera said: “Through arbitration, Rwanda seeks a legal determination of the parties’ respective rights and obligations under the treaty, in accordance with international law.” 

He affirmed that Rwanda remains committed to collaboration on migration, refugee protection and development, based on “respect for the rule of law, reciprocity between partners, and the orderly resolution of disputes through agreed legal frameworks.”

The MEDP was originally announced by the UK Government on April 14, 2022, under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a partnership with the Rwandan Government to process and resettle asylum seekers arriving in the UK without authorisation to the East African nation. The initiative aimed to curb illegal entry, especially via small boats across the English Channel.

It was subsequently renamed the UK-Rwanda Asylum Partnership. Through this agreement, individuals seeking asylum in the UK would be relocated to Rwanda before their asylum applications were considered.

However, in November 2023, the UK Supreme Court ruled the policy unlawful due to safety concerns in Rwanda. Following a change in government, the plan was officially cancelled in July 2024, after the passage of the Safety of Rwanda Act in April 2024. 

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem explained that the temporary “departure bonus” aims to facilitate voluntary returns during the holiday period. “If you wish to return voluntarily to your country of origin and are illegally present in the US, we will provide $3,000 and a plane ticket to help you get home,” Noem told Fox News . She emphasised that the programme is valid only until the end of the year.

The initiative follows an earlier scheme announced in May, which offered $1,000 and a return flight for migrants opting for voluntary departure. Noem stressed that those who wait to be intercepted, detained, or deported through enforcement channels may lose the opportunity to return legally in the future.

Migrants seeking to participate are advised to download and use the official CBP Home app to coordinate their departures. The DHS has indicated it will prioritise ensuring participants reach their home countries in time for Christmas, framing the programme as a combination of logistical support and financial incentive aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance with immigration rules.

Several immigrants told local media that after being denied entry, they were later offered access to the same clinics through backdoor arrangements. In some cases, clinic staff allegedly shared private contact details, offering HIV medication, chronic drugs, baby immunisations and prenatal care in exchange for cash payments.

“As immigrants, we feel vulnerable, because clinic staff and Operation Dudula members are now taking advantage of our desperate need for chronic medication to make money. They should be stopped,” an immigrant is quoted by the Citizen .

Patients described being charged between R200 and R300 (approx. US$10 – 16) for antiretroviral drugs that are meant to be free. Others said they were allowed into clinics but deliberately left unattended, making them vulnerable to extortion by intermediaries who claimed to have connections inside.

South Africa’s health department says it is not aware of organised extortion but has condemned any such actions as illegal. “If this is true, it is un law ful, and we condemn it with the strongest terms it deserves. We request anyone with evidence to share it with the department or law enforcement agencies so they can swiftly investigate,” said Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the national health department.

According to SCB Statistic s, Syrians make up the largest foreign-born population in many southern and central counties.

Their presence reflects migration patterns driven largely by the Syrian civil war and Sweden’s humanitarian response during the 2015 refugee influx.

Finns remain the largest foreign-born group in many northern counties, a long-standing pattern due to Sweden and Finland’s close historical, linguistic, and geographic ties.

Norway also appears as the top foreign-born group in one central county, consistent with the regular cross-border movement among Nordic citizens.

Iraqis stand out in Stockholm County, where long-term migration, family reunification, and labour opportunities have shaped the community over several decades.

Meanwhile, Eritreans form the largest foreign-born group in a key coastal county, reflecting ongoing migration from East Africa due to political instability and forced conscription.

This new data is especially relevant as Sweden engages in wider European discussions on migration management. The EU is moving forward with the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which aims to create a more balanced and predictable system for handling asylum applications.

"A new system replaces the old Dublin rules (regarding seeking asylum in the first EU country) and clarifies which Member State is responsible for the examination, and creates a fairer distribution of asylum seekers. It also introduces a new joint management of migration crises and cooperation with third countries," Migrationsverket reports.

Sweden’s own government has signalled a stricter approach to immigration while also acknowledging the country’s need for skilled labour in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.

The government claims to have returned over 24,000 people without legal rights to stay since last July, but better weather and new tactics have increased crossings, and 73 people died attempting the journey in 2024.

They will also be banned from holding a Pakistani passport for five years.

The decision comes after rising complaints from countries, especially in the Middle East , about Pakistani nationals involved in begging and illegal migration.

Officials say many of those deported have caused embarrassment to the country.

A high-level meeting in Islamabad agreed that First Information Reports would be filed against deportees as soon as they arrive in Pakistan.

The Ministry of Interior has also formed a committee to suggest stricter passport checks and better screening of applicants.

The move follows reports that around 4,000 Pakistani nationals, mostly beggars, were deported from Saudi Arabia between 2022 and the end of 2024.

More recently, over 100 deportees arrived from European countries, many accused of fraud or travelling without proper documents.

The government says it will not issue new passports to people who have been deported, and will also take action against travel agents involved in human smuggling.

Under this new plan , people entering the country illegally could also be expelled immediately.

The plan also includes tougher requirements for gaining residency and citizenship. Foreigners would need to live continuously in Argentina for at least two years without leaving to qualify.

Those who use public healthcare or education services may also be required to pay for them.

Adorni said the changes aim to protect law-abiding immigrants and local residents. “

All those convicted of committing a crime will be deported,” he was quoted by local reports as saying.

The new policy could also allow public universities to charge fees to foreign students. In addition, any foreigner with a criminal record could be denied entry at border crossings.

Adorni argued that nearly 1.7 million undocumented migrants have entered Argentina in the past two decades, placing a heavy burden on the public healthcare system.

He also criticised "health tourists", including people from neighbouring countries who travel to Argentina to receive free treatment and then return home.

He said the new rules are not meant to punish those who follow the law but to ensure fairness.

The government , led by President Javier Milei, says the goal is to welcome immigrants who want to help build a better country, but only within the boundaries of the law.

Nunca antes, el Departamento de Justicia (DOJ, por su sigla en inglés) había mostrado un alineamiento tan claro con la agenda política gubernamental, la cual prioriza la aplicación de las leyes migratorias. Bondi ha redistribuido recursos dentro del DOJ para apoyar estas iniciativas, lo que ha despertado críticas entre defensores de derechos humanos.

Activistas como Vicki Gaubeca, directora de Política Migratoria de Human Rights Watch, sostienen que “El Departamento de Justicia está siendo utilizado como un arma para continuar con esta política de terror en contra de los migrantes”. El DOJ también destaca su papel en la iniciativa «Recuperemos América», que se enfoca en combatir la inmigración ilegal, el tráfico de personas y drogas, resultando en un significativo aumento de acusaciones.

La semana pasada, los fiscales del distrito suroeste del DOJ presentaron cargos contra 1.020 extranjeros por violaciones de leyes migratorias. En marzo, el total de acusaciones en esa región llegó a cerca de 5.000. Gaubeca critica que la administración está utilizando leyes antiguas que han sido históricamente aplicadas en períodos de racismo en contra de inmigrantes.

Esther Winne, portavoz del DOJ en Arizona, defiende que el enfoque del departamento sigue siendo el cumplimiento de la ley, estableciendo que la penalidad por reingreso irregular puede ser de hasta cinco años, dependiendo de las circunstancias del caso. Sin embargo, activistas como Gaubeca argumentan que esta estrategia es un componente de una guerra psicológica para forzar la salida voluntaria de migrantes del país.

Gaubeca también expresa preocupación por la presentación de cargos contra individuos que no han ingresado recientemente a EE. UU. sino que han vivido en el país durante años, alegando que esto contraviene las normas establecidas. Un caso representativo es el arresto de Jairo Ernesto Perry Santos, un inmigrante hondureño, acusado por reingresar a Estados Unidos después de ser deportado en 2016.

A pesar de las críticas, el DOJ y Bondi parecen ganar popularidad en ciertos sectores, destacándose casos de inmigrantes con múltiples deportaciones que concluyen en decisiones de regresarlos a México sin más acusaciones.

But mass deportations come at a steep financial cost for the U.S. government, amounting to billions of dollars. Under the Biden administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spent an average of $10,500 to deport a single person, according to NBC . 

Beyond the U.S., deportations also have significant economic consequences for Latin America. In many countries, migrant remittances are a key pillar of the economy. In nations like El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, remittances account for more than 20% of GDP and serve as a crucial source of income for millions of households. 

Personal remittances as a share of GDP in Latin American and Caribbean countries in 2023, according to Statista :

Deportations mean fewer people sending money home, reducing household income, weakening local economies, and decreasing consumption.

Deportation is not just an immigration issue—it is a major factor shaping the global economy.

In Rosso, a Senegalese city bordering Mauritania, deported migrants have shared chilling testimonies of abuse at the hands of Mauritanian authorities. Many describe beatings, arbitrary detentions, and dire conditions in overcrowded detention facilities.

“They beat us up, they took us to prison without telling us anything. After that, they threw us all out at the border," Ismaila Bangoura, a Guinean carpenter who had been working in Mauritania, told the AFP.

Ramatoulaye Camara, another Guinean citizen, described the grim realities of imprisonment in Mauritania.  “Currently in Mauritania, it’s not good. We suffered a lot. I was in prison for 10 days, with no food, no help. I am pregnant, and I was there with my daughter. The police tortured the boys, they even tortured me. They took my money, my phone—everything. We endured a lot of suffering,” she said.

Adding that “More than 500-600 people were locked in a cage, with no food and unbearable heat. The Mauritanian police hit me. I don’t even know why—whether it was because of the papers, the residence permit, or something else. They just said, ‘You are leaving our country.’”

Bangoura further lamented that several deportees were left in dire health conditions, suffering from injuries inflicted during their detention. “It’s really deplorable,” said Bangoura. “They beat me up, and I have gastritis. They hit me in the chest, and now I can barely breathe. I can’t even run. I called my sister to send me money just so I could buy some medicine .”

Local humanitarian organizations in Rosso are struggling to assist the growing number of traumatized deportees. Mbaye Diop, President of the local Red Cross committee, confirmed that many of those arriving show visible signs of abuse. “Sometimes we receive people who have been expelled, and you can see the after-effects of physical violence on their bodies. Some even lose their minds upon arrival. We do our best to assist them, but the situation is overwhelming,” said Diop.

Meanwhile, Mauritanian authorities are yet to respond to the allegations.

The rescues occurred overnight, with the National Guard executing multiple operations after boats capsized or experienced mechanical issues.

Images released by the force depict distressing scenes of exhausted survivors clinging to buoys, while others are shown struggling to hoist lifeless bodies onto rescue boats.

The National Guard said they are working hard to stop people from trying to reach Europe illegally and warned about the dangers of these journeys.

Tunisia and Libya have become the main places where migrants leave for Europe, hoping for a better life.

Since Tunisia is only about 150 kilometres (90 miles) from Italy’s Lampedusa island, many migrants try to reach it first. Every year, tens of thousands risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

According to the World Economic Forum , there are an estimated 272 million international migrants globally, making up about 3.5% of the world's population. Russia, for instance, is home to the largest number of illegal immigrants, with estimates suggesting 12 million unauthorised residents

The United States and Germany also see significant numbers of illegal migrants due to their economic opportunities and geopolitical positions.

The reasons behind illegal migration vary from economic hardship and political instability to environmental factors and family reunification. For example, many migrants from Mexico enter the United States seeking better economic opportunities, driven by the proximity and the promise of the "American Dream".

Despite the measures and strategies adopted by countries to block entirely illegal migration, they have been futile for years.

As former U.S. President Barack Obama once said, "We are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too." This quote resonates with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) which said "Migration is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be managed."

Below are ten countries in the world with the largest number of illegal migrants:

"We want, Morocco and France together, to fight against all forms of trafficking and illegal immigration, as well as the networks that exploit these issues," AFP quoted Macron.

He highlighted the importance of mutual trust and respect for each other's regulations, underlining the strong demand for tangible outcomes from this partnership.

The migration issue has been a source of tension between Paris and Rabat in recent years. In 2021-2022, France halved the number of visas granted to Moroccans to encourage Morocco to accept the return of its nationals expelled by French authorities, resulting in heightened diplomatic friction.

Recently, the interior ministers of both nations discussed the readmission of Moroccan nationals in irregular situations, with France seeking to expedite their expulsion process, often hindered by Morocco's reluctance to issue consular passes.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed a shared commitment to improving identification procedures for undocumented individuals to facilitate faster readmission.

However, Macron emphasized that these discussions should not overshadow the importance of facilitating cultural and other exchanges between the two nations, advocating for a more flexible approach to movement across borders.

Lidia Baez, a protester who spoke to AFP shared "I come to protest the illegal invasion from Haitians, we have full schools, we have full hospitals, we have a whole corrupt system that keeps those illegals here. We want our homeland to be 'us'... of us, we do not want Haitian invaders in our country."

Manuel Velez added, "The government is taking pressure from international organisations when we put him (President Luis Abinader) to lead us and to do the things that the Dominican people want him to do."

The protest was a response to the Dominican government's plan to deport up to 10,000 undocumented migrants per week as announced on Wednesday, October 2 by presidential spokesman Homero Figueroa.

"This operation aims to reduce the excessive migrant populations detected in Dominican communities," Figueroa explained, adding the expulsions would start "immediately" and be done "according to strict protocols that ensure respect for human rights."

Tunisian authorities have taken decisive actions in response to a tragic migrant shipwreck off the coast of Djerba, leading to the arrest of 12 individuals, including a smuggler. This incident, which resulted in the deaths of 15 migrants, has drawn attention to the growing crisis as Tunisia becomes a significant departure point for those attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing, reports Barron's . This year alone, over 400 lives have been lost or gone missing in similar incidents, highlighting the perils faced by migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

Human rights activist detained

Human Rights Watch has condemned the pre-trial detention of Sihem Bensedrine, a prominent human rights defender and former head of Tunisia's Truth and Dignity Commission. Detained on charges of fraud and forgery linked to her efforts in investigating historic abuses, HRW asserts that her imprisonment represents a retaliatory measure by the Tunisian government to thwart transitional justice initiatives. According to the Jurist News , this development raises serious concerns about judicial independence as the nation gears up for the presidential elections on October 6.

Death toll from migrant shipwreck

The death toll from the recent boat sinking near Djerba has escalated to 16, with the coastguard and navy recovering multiple bodies, predominantly of undocumented immigrants, including infants. Those involved in such perilous crossings often face dire circumstances in their pursuit of safety and stability, reports Daijiworld .

Hanging democracy

A Democracy News Alliance study has raised alarm over Tunisia's regression towards authoritarianism amidst economic turmoil as the October 2024 elections loom. Despite Tunisia being initially hailed as a beacon of democratic progress post-Arab Spring, current analyses suggest that President Kaïs Saïed's consolidation of power threatens to reverse these gains. The report indicates a decline in Tunisia's fiscal capability, leading to discontent among citizens as unemployment and poverty rates continue to soar, The Manila Times report.

Presidential candidate jailed

A Tunisian court has sentenced presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel to 12 years in prison on charges of falsifying documents, says his lawyer, according to News Central . This marks the third prison sentence imposed on Zammel in two weeks, just five days before the country’s presidential election. Zammel, the leader of the opposition Azimoun party, was accused of falsifying voter signatures for his candidacy. Despite being imprisoned, he remains eligible to run in the election. Zammel denies the charges, claiming they are politically motivated by President Kais Saied’s government.

Abdul Ghani Qazizada, who manages the registration of arrivals in Islam Qala, told AFP that most of these refugees entered Iran illegally or overstayed their visas.

Nearly 90% are deported, and expulsions have surged in recent months. Many Afghans are warned they must leave within a week or face a hefty deposit if they are over 18.

Upon arrival, refugees are registered by Afghan authorities and evaluated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Families receive minimal financial aid of 2,000 Afghanis ($29) per person, while individuals receive nothing.

The climate in Iran has grown increasingly hostile towards Afghan migrants, who are often blamed for rising unemployment and crime. Ramazan Azizi, a construction worker, described being evicted with his wife and three children after entering Iran illegally. They paid a smuggler $1,220 for the journey but faced eviction when their landlord was fined for renting to them. They were then detained in a military camp alongside thousands of others.

The vessel, which departed from the Slack area near Wimereux with 59 people aboard, quickly encountered difficulties and ran aground on the foreshore. The boat was severely damaged by the rocks, leading to its sinking.

Prefect of Pas-de-Calais Jacques Billant told the media, “The boat was obviously torn apart on the rocks. As soon as the incident was reported, the emergency services were immediately mobilised to provide assistance to the shipwrecked crew, and the cross-country rescue team deployed the vessel 'Minck', which was already in the area, and the helicopter 'Dolphin' to search for any survivors at sea. Fortunately, no other victims were found during the search by the Préfecture Maritime." 

This accident comes less than two weeks after the deadliest migrant disaster in the Channel this year. The French and British governments are struggling to prevent the dangerous crossings made by migrants on the Channel.

The United States and Germany also see significant numbers of illegal migrants due to their economic opportunities and geopolitical positions.

The reasons behind illegal migration vary from economic hardship and political instability to environmental factors and family reunification. For example, many migrants from Mexico enter the United States seeking better economic opportunities, driven by the proximity and the promise of the "American Dream".

Despite the measures and strategies adopted by countries to block entirely illegal migration, they have been futile for years.

As former U.S. President Barack Obama once said, "We are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too." This quote resonates with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) which said "Migration is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be managed."

Below are ten countries in the world with the largest number of illegal migrants:

In his address, Pope Francis criticised "restrictive laws" and the "militarisation of borders," urging instead for the establishment of safe migration routes. "There are those who work systematically and with every means possible to repel migrants. And this, when done with awareness and responsibility, is a grave sin," he declared.

The Pope reiterated that the Mediterranean Sea, where over 3,000 migrants went missing last year according to UN figures, has tragically become a "cemetery." He also highlighted that deserts, often seen as natural death traps, are sometimes places where migrants are intentionally abandoned. "In the time of satellites and drones, there are migrant men, women, and children that no one must see. Only God sees them and hears their cry," he lamented.

While not pointing fingers at any specific country, Pope Francis emphasised that his concerns extend to all terrains where migrants suffer in isolation, including oceans, lakes, rivers, forests, jungles, and steppes. "We can all agree on one thing: migrants should not be in those seas and in those lethal deserts," he urged. "But it is not through more restrictive laws, it is not with the militarisation of borders, it is not with rejection that we will obtain this result."

The illegal movement of immigrants between Zimbabwe and Zambia has increased due to receding water levels on the Zambezi River. Border authorities are concerned about the ease with which people can now cross the river, leading to a spike in illegal crossings. Measures are being proposed to improve border surveillance and streamline customs clearance processes. According to New Zimbabwe , the Chirundu border post is set to undergo a major facelift through a public-private partnership.

Schoolchildren face threats from animals

On the outskirts of a wildlife conservancy in southeastern Zimbabwe, 14-year-old Esther Bote starts her day at dawn with a routine: cleaning, cooking, bathing, and dressing in her school uniform. The most dangerous part is the 5-kilometre walk to school through bush paths where dangerous animals may lurk. As reported by the Independent , despite facing these threats daily, it never gets easier. Even children as young as five, guided by older peers or siblings, navigate the dense forests to reach school and return home.

Improving the telecom sector

Clear Mobitel, a UK-based technology company, plans to invest US$200 million in Zimbabwe's telecommunications sector. This aligns with the country's efforts to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth. The company specialises in advanced technologies such as cloud computing, 5G, and IoT. Vanilla Plus reports that the company has also partnered with NEC Corporation to enhance its offerings in Zimbabwe. The investment will focus on infrastructure, technology, and services to impact Zimbabwe's economic growth.

Rutendo explains why she withdrew from Olympic marathon

Zimbabwean long-distance runner Rutendo Nyahora faced criticism after withdrawing from the Paris Olympic marathon mid-race. The 35-year-old dropped out on Sunday after completing 22 kilometres of the 42-kilometre event. Speaking to a ZBC journalist, Rutendo explained that she withdrew because it simply wasn't her day, emphasising that there was no specific reason for her decision, iHarare reports. “I couldn’t finish the race, but if I say anything happened, l will be lying. Nothing happened; it’s just that it was not my day today.”

Opposition starved in drought-prone Zimbabwe

The ruling party in Zimbabwe is accused of tying food aid to political affiliations, denying opposition activists access to food aid during the El Nino-induced drought. Human rights groups have documented instances where victims were denied food aid for being suspected or known members of opposition parties. The government is under pressure to fix economic woes and ensure fair distribution of food aid. This politicisation of food aid has been a long-standing issue in Zimbabwe, reports CAJ News Africa .

The repatriation was coordinated with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which assists with voluntary returns and reintegration. However, some migrants alleged that they were forcibly deported.

Hakim, a 59-year-old Nigerian resident in Libya for 25 years, claimed that authorities forcibly entered his home, confiscated his passport, and detained him and his wife before repatriation.

"The authorities came and broke down the door. They told us: ‘Get out, get out, where are the phones, where's the money?' That's how it is for all of us, all Africans," Hakim Salem, one of the many deportees told AFP.

Libya has faced criticism for its treatment of migrants, including claims of extortion and slavery. As a key departure point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to reach Europe, Libya has seen increased efforts to curb irregular migration.

Earlier this month, Libyan authorities estimated that up to 80% of foreigners in the country were undocumented.

The police found military tents, licensed firearms, and other military equipment at the site. The detainees had reportedly entered South Africa on study visas, claiming they were training to become security guards.

The news of the arrests left many locals in shock. "It's alarming to think that something like this was happening right under our noses," said Sarah Mkhize, a resident of White River. "We always thought of our town as a peaceful place."

Others expressed concerns about the potential implications for local security. "If they were training for military purposes, what were they planning to do?" questioned Thabo Ndlovu, another resident. "It's scary to think about."

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe assured the public that there was no immediate threat to community safety.

"We take any threat to the security and stability of our province and country very seriously," said Mathe. The police are currently investigating whether there are more such camps in other parts of the country.

The incident has raised questions about South Africa's border security and the effectiveness of its immigration controls.

"This situation highlights the need for stricter monitoring of foreign nationals entering the country," said local government official Jackie Macie.

As investigations continue, the local community remains on edge, waiting for more information about the detainees and their intentions.

"We hope the authorities get to the bottom of this quickly," said Mkhize. "We need to know that our town is safe."

Many young people in Senegal lack legal documentation, impacting their education and access to public services. It wasn't until 12-year-old Senegalese schoolboy Lassou Samb prepared for his end-of-year exams that the absence of legal documentation became a significant issue. Like many children in West Africa, Samb was never registered at birth, an oversight with potentially serious implications for his education. Each exam period underscores a widespread issue of unregistered births, not only in Senegal but across Africa, reports VOA .

Senegal gears up for public policy reform

President Faye of Senegal has outlined a vision for bold public policy reform, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability. APA News highlights that the government is facing challenges with the National Assembly, but efforts are underway to overcome the impasse and move forward with the promised reforms.

More than 250 migrants intercepted

The West African country's navy detained a boat on Friday carrying 202 people attempting to reach Europe in fishing waters near Lompoul, northwest Senegal, the army announced on X. Among those on board were five women and a child, the post added. On Saturday, July 20, the army reported that a navy patrol had arrested 57 "would-be irregular migrants" in the northwest coastal town of Saint Louis. According to TOA , the group included 15 women and comprised citizens of Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Gambia, the army noted on X.

BYD launches in Senegal

BYD has launched its ATTO 3 electric SUV in Senegal, making EVs available in more markets. The move is crucial for reducing air pollution from ageing vehicles in Dakar, especially taxis. The company is also partnering with local organisations to support the adoption of electric vehicles in Africa, showing positive momentum for the global transition to EVs, as reported by Clean Technica .

Cashew exports from Senegal

DP World has officially kicked off Senegal’s cashew export season by welcoming the MV Diogue, a large shipment carrying 2,000 tonnes of cashews from neighbouring Guinea-Bissau. West Africa is emerging as a leading exporter of cashew nuts, with Senegal playing a crucial role as a key gateway for this valuable agricultural commodity. The cashew export season in Senegal began on July 5th, Cyprus Shipping News reports.

During a recent news conference , President Mulino stated, "The problem we are dealing with here is a problem of the United States. People do not want to come and stay in Panama, people want to go to the US and if this problem becomes a situation of greater magnitude, I do not know because it has not happened yet, we cannot put them (migrants) in jail, we cannot deport them by force or repatriate them by force."

The Darien Gap, a treacherous stretch of jungle between Colombia and Panama, has significantly increased migrant crossings. In 2023, over half a million people travelled this perilous journey, facing threats from violent criminal gangs and dangerous river crossings Despite the challenges, many migrants view this route as their best chance to reach the United States.

To manage the migration crisis, Panama has signed an agreement with the United States, which includes $6 million in funding for migrant repatriation. This agreement aims to reduce irregular crossings and support Panama in handling the large number of migrants entering the country.