African governments implement documentation requirements that systematically erase millions of people from legal existence. The New Humanitarian reports that restrictive border and residency policies don't prevent migration—they create undocumented populations who become invisible to protection systems. As Sahel conflicts and climate disasters force displacement, these same policies that claim to organise movement push people into legal limbo, where survival becomes criminalised.
This systematic erasure reveals how governments actively create the very "illegal" populations they claim to control through documentation.
Key Takeaways:
- Millions across Africa remain undocumented, severely limiting access to essential services and legal protection.
- Sahel conflicts and climate disasters drive mass displacement, while restrictive border policies force irregular migration routes.
- West Africa hosts over 5 million displaced people, many of whom survive without formal documentation or recognition.
- Lack of papers increases vulnerability to detention, abuse, exploitation, and complete exclusion from assistance programs.
Have you witnessed how a lack of documentation affects people's access to services? What solutions could better protect undocumented migrants while addressing security concerns?
