ECOWAS Repatriates Stranded Niger Migrants

The Economic Community of West States (ECOWAS) has partnered with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to create a voluntary return program for West Africa migrants stranded in Niger en-route to Europe. ECOWAS has allocated $200,000 for the IOM to airlift 212 migrants from Niger to Nigeria. Sintiki Ugbe, director for Humanitarian and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, tells VOA’s James Butty, the policy underscores the regional body’s commitment to secure the humane repatriation of its citizens.