Paper short abstract:

Using the case of Senegal, this paper highlights the crucial role that local scholars and researchers play in shaping narratives and developing conceptual models about migration.

Paper long abstract:

Irregular border crossings into the European Union via the Western African Route — from the African continent to Spain's Canary Islands — saw a significant surge in 2023, escalating by 116 percent compared to the corresponding period a year ago. Such figures are typically employed by advocates of stricter border control to underscore the perceived threat of migration. On the flip side, proponents of positive migration tend to downplay these numbers, emphasizing the benefits of people moving between borders and cultures.

To move away from this polarization, this paper delves into the discourses surrounding migration emanating from Europe and the US, examining the pivotal role that universities and local researchers situated within the African continent may play in reshaping these narratives. The objective is to decolonize some ideas about migration, comprehending it as a reality within the history of humanity, rather than categorizing it as a solely positive or negative modern aspect of our lives.

In this regard, the significance of local institutions and researchers within the continent lies in their capacity to offer fresh perspectives on the intricate dynamics of migration, avoiding the polarized stances often adopted by critics and proponents of immigration. This perspective not only challenges stereotypical portrayals but also aims to dispel the misconception that we are living in an era of unprecedented migration (Hein de Haas, 2023).