South Africa's Lamola calls for AU to convene a continental conference on migration, urging a collective response beyond single-country focus as the bloc's executive council deferred the issue.

South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola on Wednesday called for the implementation of an African Union decision to convene a continent-wide conference to address the root causes of migration and challenges associated with irregular migration. Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, Lamola said migration is a continental phenomenon requiring a comprehensive and collective response. His remarks followed a decision by the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council not to discuss migration at an upcoming AU mid-year review meeting.