Why Pope Leo is the only true friend of Africa

This week, I’m writing from Seibersdorf, a sleepy town in Austria popular for its treasured medieval castles. Together with experts from 30 countries, I am participating in a course that explores how science-oriented agencies can communicate effectively in an era where public attention is a scarce commodity.

What a captivating week to be in Europe! France hosted the G7, the US-Iran deal dominated the news and in Vienna, Kamala Harris graced a climate summit where she came down heavy on Donald Trump.

Importantly also,  the European Union (EU) has left no stone unturned as it continues to aggressively implement the ‘Pact on Migration and Asylum’ requiring member states to cut protections for asylum seekers, and tighten how migrants enter and move within the bloc. European governments say that the measures will trim arrivals and ease pressure on national systems.

For Africa, the implications are far-reaching. Migrants seeking refuge or opportunity abroad are finding fewer and fewer doors open. The controversial pact infringes basic rights and doesn’t even address the root causes of migration. While Africa should pay close attention, the loud silence and ‘crybaby’ attitude within the continent’s leadership, including the Africa Union (AU), is disheartening.

If not migration and similar issues that require collective policy, what do African leaders usually gather to discuss in Addis Ababa? Every year, our countries lose sons and daughters to drowning, exploitation and human trafficking. The fact that African leaders attend global meetings like the recent Africa Forward summit in Nairobi but don’t speak about migration won’t erase the larger tragedy.

Moreover, the real scandal is that millions of Africans feel compelled to leave their own countries because systems don’t work. Across much of our continent, misrule has destroyed everything. Corruption, impunity, military takeovers and the plunder of public resources are stubborn realities.

It is a good thing, though, that there are some voices of reason.  Pope Leo XIV has told Europe not to turn their backs on migrants, many of whom are fleeing poverty. The Pontiff says migrants should not be viewed through the lens of crime or economic burden, but as human beings deserving dignity.

The Pope, a true friend of Africa, deserves our gratitude for speaking up when our tone-deaf leaders have kept off. When will the AU ever present a united front in defending vulnerable citizens or by instituting reforms that will reduce the numbers fleeing in search of better lives abroad? That’s the big question.

The political mood, unfortunately, continues to move in the opposite direction. Even within Africa itself, anti-migrant sentiment is growing. In South Africa, xenophobia is the norm. When vigilantes hunt down migrants and authorities look the other way, it becomes clear that everyone is on their own.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and his ilk are unperturbed.

Africa and Europe must prevent needless deaths, tensions and humanitarian crises that continue to plague human movement. Tunisia and Libya are major departure points for young Africans seeking greener. The numbers are grim. In 2025, the International Organization for Migration says 4,300 African immigrants died while attempting to reach Europe or the Gulf states.

Meanwhile, it’s not only the jobless who are leaving. Africa continues to suffer brain drain as thousands of skilled professionals depart in search of better working conditions and greater opportunities elsewhere.

Without stronger institutions, accountable leadership and functioning economies, Africans will remain vulnerable to the decisions of wealthier nations.

When laws are enacted that disadvantage African migrants, we clap and laugh at ourselves. As Europe tightens its borders more and more, we can only hope against hope that sober African leaders can finally confront the uncomfortable truth that migration is ultimately a symptom, not the disease itself.

The disease is bad governance and must be cured by all means. All of us must advocate for the humane treatment of migrants. Importantly, we must use the power of the ballot to address the governance failures that continue to drive African citizens away.

-The writer is a communications practitioner. X:@markoloo