Panel 100: How Migrations Redefine Local, National and Global Policies in West Africa?

International migration is more and more characterized by its loss of intelligibility (processes of intensification, renewal, diversification, etc.). Nevertheless, each time, more scholars agree and analyze impacts migratory flows have on political systems, both in public policies, at a national and local level, and in states relationship (more specifically on migration global governance and inter-states cooperation). Various and rich studies of political changes created by transnational migration in Europe have been led. On the contrary, few investigations were led on migratory policies (local, national or regional) in African countries, particularly in transit African countries where migrations are deeply changing economies, societies, mentalities, connections, associations, etc. Since mid 80’s emigration constitutes one of the main economic resources for West African countries. Emigration functioned as a (National and Local) Government’s safety net benefiting the economy through remittances and often providing an exit option for the disfranchised youth. Beyond their economic significance, remittances are a fundamental symbol of the migrant’s loyalty towards their non-migrant family. Politicians used in multiple ways migrants as informal political capital. Indeed, the growth of associations with a transnational orientation towards the development of the communities of origin after 2000 is partially affected by National and Local Government’ interests in capitalising migrants’ potentials. All these political processes concur in shaping a scenario of multiple political subjectivities and actors: International Governmental and Non Governmental Organisations, Nation States, Local Authorities, Migrant associations etc. Who dictates the agenda? This is a complex question which demands for empirical enquiry. In this perspective, this panel wants to discuss the different ways international migration is managed by West African countries and what are their impacts. It would mean casting migratory phenomena within the area of local, national and international public policies.