The Regional Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for Southern Africa, Mr. Josiah Ogina, paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax on 17th November 2016, in Gaborone, Botswana.
During the meeting, the two leaders noted the growing global problem of migration. They also noted the complexity of the challenge in that it is not only related to conflict and insecurity, but also linked to poverty and other socio-economic problems. In this context, they highlighted the need for strengthened collaboration in dealing with the challenge. In particular, they underscored the need for reliable data and information to facilitate the development of interventions to effectively deal with the various forms of migration both regional and international.
As the main highlight of the meeting, the two leaders signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SADC and IOM. The main objective of the Memorandum of Understanding is to provide a framework for cooperation between SADC and IOM in among other areas, migration, poverty reduction, promotion of economic growth, support for human development and responses to emergencies and disaster risk management.
The two parties agreed to continue to actively work together towards improving the lives of people across the Southern African Region.
