Waithood and creativity in the absence of resettlement: evidence from “residual” Liberian refugees in Nigeria

Voluntary repatriation is often promoted as the preferred durable solution by the UNHCR and host countries, but many refugees prioritise resettlement–a limited and inaccessible option for most. Prima facie refugees, recognised collectively, face additional challenges, including cessation under Article 1(C), which often occurs before their resettlement aspirations are realised. This paper examines the experiences of “residual” Liberian refugees in Nigeria’s defunct Oru refugee camp, focusing on those whose resettlement applications were unsuccessful after the cessation of their prima facie status. Through ethnographic research, this study interrogates two questions: How does the hope of resettlement shape their aspirations and “waithood” after cessation? And how do they resist the precarity reinforced by unsuccessful resettlement outcomes? Findings reveal that, despite the improbability of resettlement under formal institutions, these individuals sustain hopes while transforming their liminal status into a platform for resistance, appropriating resources and asserting rights within the host community.