Activities

The Khartoum Process facilitates collaboration and information exchange among countries along the migration route between the Horn of Africa and Europe. Our activities include at the political level, Steering Committee Meetings and Senior Officials' Meeting and at the technical level, Thematic Meetings, Thematic Workshops and Trainings.

2nd Ministerial Conference of the Khartoum Process

  • Date:
  • Location: Cairo, Egypt

Ministers and high-level representatives from Khartoum Process partner countries gathered in Cairo for the 2nd Ministerial Conference, marking a significant milestone—the 10th anniversary of the Khartoum Process. Hosted by Egypt, the conference highlighted both the achievements and ongoing challenges in managing migration between the Horn of Africa and Europe, setting forth strategic priorities for the coming years.

In his opening remarks, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty, emphasised the importance of sustained international cooperation and collective action, particularly against the backdrop of complex migration dynamics. The session was enriched by the insights of Dr. Magnus Brunner from the European Commission, Ms. Angela Martins from the African Union Commission, and Dr. Michael Spindelegger from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), who collectively reinforced the necessity of ongoing partnership and solidarity.

Ambassador Dr. Wael Badawi, outgoing Chair of the Khartoum Process, presented an analytical overview of the past decade. His reflection noted substantial progress in fostering dialogue, trust-building among stakeholders, and enhanced cooperation mechanisms. Nevertheless, he candidly addressed persistent challenges, including irregular migration, human trafficking, and adapting to evolving migration trends. A retrospective video  illustrated significant milestones, vividly capturing a decade of collaboration and shared responsibility.

Central to the conference was the official adoption of the Cairo Ministerial Declaration and the accompanying Cairo Action Plan. These documents set clear commitments to deepen cooperation, enhance data exchange, and strengthen legal frameworks and protections for migrants. They also address emerging issues such as climate-induced migration and misinformation.

A ceremonial handover from Egypt to France symbolically ushered in a new phase of leadership within the Khartoum Process. French Minister of State François-Noël Buffet outlined France’s ambitious agenda, focusing on critical areas such as legal identity and civil registration, combatting trafficking in human beings, return and reintegration, and addressing the vulnerabilities associated with climate-induced mobility as well as missing migrants. France committed to inclusive, responsive governance and highlighted the importance of collective input in shaping the future direction.

Ministerial statements from member states underscored a shared commitment to ongoing dialogue, recognising the complexity of migration as both a regional challenge and opportunity. The collective emphasis on balanced partnerships demonstrated the strengthened resolve to address migration comprehensively and humanely.

The conference concluded with optimism, reaffirming the Khartoum Process as a vital and dynamic platform capable of addressing future migration challenges through unity and shared vision.