The project uses the MLG framework to explain the decision-making processes concerning the return of stranded migrants in Libya to their home countries of Ethiopia and Nigeria. These two countries are key origin countries for large numbers of migrants, and hence are always faced with the challenge of the return of their nationals back home. They are also countries that have experienced internal conflicts which, in recent times, have led to a high number of forced displacements. The exacerbation of insecurity risks in these countries not only posed challenges for the return and reintegration process but also the conduct of research associated with this Action. The Researcher began the Fellowship on November 1st, 2020, and by November 3rd of the same year, disagreement between the Ethiopian Government and Tigray Region of Ethiopia degenerated into an armed conflict. The ensuing civil war did not formally end until November 2022, coinciding with the conclusion of the fellowship. Similarly, Nigeria was beset by cases of banditry and kidnapping for ransom, leading to the UK Foreign Office issuing travel warnings. Thus, travel restriction due to COVID-19 and high insecurity in the study's case countries prevented the Fellow from travelling to the countries for face-to-face interviews as planned, and derailed the timely conduct of online fieldwork.
Despite these challenges however, the Fellow strove to manage the situation the best possible way, conduct online interviews when the security situation allowed, and deliver on project plans. During the first phase of the project, the Researcher acquired specialized knowledge in a new research area. He participated in several seminars on different aspects of migration-security nexus. The Fellow also refined Literature and theoretical framework/methodological approaches, as well as generated Interview guidelines/questions. He also took a course to enhance his teaching and curriculum development skills. taught a module on Migration, supervised four (4) Masters projects, and served as external examiner for a PhD viva. The secondment at the IOM office in Switzerland, as well as public engagement through such mediums as sharing of research findings with relevant stakeholders in Ethiopia and Nigeria were disrupted due to COVID-19 and security risks in these countries. An online version of public knowledge sharing is however stakeholders in Ethiopia and Nigeria for 2023.
In terms of academic knowledge exchange, the Fellow presented one Workshop paper and signed a book contract with McGill-Queen's University Press. Two journal articles, one journal Special Issue, three conference papers, and one conference organization/knowledge debriefing are underway for 2023. The Fellow also co-edited a book, wrote two book chapters, co-authored a journal article, and presented three conference/workshop papers.
