So far this year, more than 10,000 Africans have taken a precarious journey, in a rickety boat, in the hope of getting to Europe. Thousands have died along the way.

It is estimated that a further 80,000 are waiting to make similar crossings from the coastlines of various African states.

Ministers from the European Union and Africa will meet on Monday to work on a plan to cease the illegal flow.

Are migrants really a problem for Europe? Does Europe actually need them to do the jobs that their own citizens won't? What about the responsibility of African governments? Are they doing enough to keep people at home? What effect does migration have on Africa?

The debate is now closed, thank you for your comments.

Your comments:

Economic hardship and dire poverty has time and time again led to the desperate act of African people risking their lives in search of a "better life" and ways to feed and clothe their families. Until the issues surrounding poverty and economic instability are addressed by the African governments and the global community at large, this so-called migration problem will not cease to exist.
Nyokabi, Kenyan Londoner

Europe came to Africa without invitation, visa or immigration requirements--fought the natives when they wanted to protect their land and took over their natural resources, branded them bad and primitive, enslaved them and all. Now, an African wants better life which he cannot get in Africa, goes on a risky trip to Europe where he will look for a cheap job to make ends meet(under very strict visa requirements), doesn't even fight the natives but just wants to be part of their society and earn some money and Europe has a problem with that!
Yvonne, Germany

Migration of any race to any place is never a problem, it is rather rich to have diversity in one place. The problem is that People always label a race, religion or a culture because of one experience they lived with a member of those groups. As a Burundian citizen, I came to the UK in 1999 and found it very interesting to interact with people from different race. After all, God is the creator of Human race, we are all equal in his eyes.
Desire Katihabwa, New Barnet, UK

European countries should not actually complain of African migrants because, all looted African wealth is invested in Europe. While this wealth boosts European economies, it impoverishes African countries and citizens.
Ahamefula Ken Mbaeri, Lagos, Nigeria

I think it is the responsibility of the African Union to move Africa forward so that its people will see the need to stay in Africa and contribute in its development. Sigismond Wilson, USA

Until African governments regard themselves as servants of the people and not masters of their electorate, stemming desperate migrants will be an uphill task. Corruption, Nepotism and senseless wars must be stopped. Socio-economic development should be the main focus in Africa. I think it is the responsibility of the African Union to move Africa forward so that its people will see the need to stay in Africa and contribute in its development.
Sigismond Wilson, Sierra Leonean in USA

No, African migrants are not a problem to either Europe or any western nation. Africans will continue risk their lives no matter how dangerous the road to Europe is. God bless Africa!!
Peter Tuach, Minnesota, USA

African immigrants are not a problem. They are trying to survive. They are just looking for opportunity which they don't have in their own country. It is all about survival of the fittest. What we are seeing today is clear evidence that African governments are not doing enough to create jobs and other opportunities for the general populace hence the need for migration.
Omorodion Osula, Boston, USA

The first slave that was ever sold had a "Black Man Identity", it is heart-breaking that the black man hardly has a value either at home or abroad. Europe can tag us "problem" now, but they asked for it
Sam, St Catharines