By Djinodji SOLMENGAR Rodrigue
Migration and youth unemployment topped the agenda during a six-day mission to northern Chad by the UK Embassy and the International Organization for Migration.
The delegation visited Faya, Fada and Amdjarass.
It met local authorities in Amdjarass on Monday 24.
IOM Chief of Mission in Chad Giovanni Cassani said migration has increased across the region.
In the past year and a half, we’ve seen around 60,000 migrants crossing the border between Chad and Libya or from Libya to Chad, Cassani said.
He said IOM wants to understand the impact of these movements on migrants and local communities.
The organisation supports communities through infrastructure projects and economic opportunities.
It also provides training for local authorities.
IOM helps migrants return home and supports victims of trafficking.
British Ambassador to Chad Helena Owen said the mission aimed to improve the UK’s understanding of northern Chad.
The big objective of this visit has been very much to understand the context in the north of Chad, Owen said.
The delegation also reviewed IOM projects supported by the UK.
Owen said the visit gave the team a clearer picture of local needs and opportunities.
It really has helped us to understand the context and the opportunities and the needs much better, she said.
In Amdjarass, local authorities raised concerns about youth unemployment.
They also cited limited training facilities and weak support for entrepreneurs.
Youth migration was another concern.
The authorities also highlighted climate change and the arrival of Sudanese refugees.
Cassani said IOM would continue working with communities across northern Chad.
The agency also works with the UK Embassy on migration programmes.
These include public awareness campaigns and training for local authorities.
IOM also supports migrants who return home.
