Governing migration: Analysing regional migration governance and free movement of persons in the Economic Community of West African States

The regional level is important for migration governance, and regional organisations play an essential role. My research investigates the role of regional organisations and actors in shaping regional migration governance in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It is based on four articles that examine the different levels of interaction between regional actors and their contribution to shaping migration policies at the regional level. The research employs qualitative methods such as interviews, observation, and document analysis, emphasising the importance of situating migration research within specific contexts. It highlights the complexity of migration policies in West Africa and the need for a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics, including colonial legacies and contemporary power relations. The research argues that migration policies in West Africa are more complex in practice than represented in migration theory and policy solutions. It emphasises the importance of considering regional specificities, colonial legacies, and the predominance of migration in daily life. The research also examines how colonial and post-colonial histories have shaped migration in the region and how contemporary power relations between states influence migration policies. Additionally, it highlights the role of regional organisations, specifically ECOWAS, in regional migration governance and their impact on national migration policies.