SECURITIZATION OF AFRICAN MIGRATION TO EUROPE: IMPACT ON XENOPHOBIA AND DISCRIMINATION

Abstract: In recent decades, majority of governments in Europe, especially those in European union have framed migration from Africa to Europe as a critical security matter. This study aims to analyze how securitization of migration affects the lived experiences of African migrants in Europe using evidence from media. Specifically, the study will examine the Impact of Securitization on Xenophobia and Discrimination by examining how securitization policies have affected the general outlook of host communities towards African migrants which in turn fans xenophobic and discriminatory attitudes. This study employed a qualitative research design using secondary data from both mainstream media and social media. The securitization of migration has significantly bolstered xenophobic sentiments toward African migrants in Europe. Portraying African migrants in media narratives as threats to security and using criminal laws to manage and control them results to locals taking to social media with negative stereotypes leading to hostility. As a result, migrants are now subject to higher degrees of prejudice and exclusion. The study recommends that, European governments working closely with NGOs such as UNHCR should consider launching campaigns to counter common beliefs about African migrants such as migrants being excessively dependent on welfare systems and taking their jobs. Awareness campaigns that have data evidence to clarify these false claims and demonstrate the positive implications of migrants should be done consistently.