Migration and mobility infrastructures in West Africa – portraits and practices
At this seminar, co-organised by DIIS, MOBILE, and the Department of Anthropology (University of Copenhagen), a group of stellar researchers share their insights on West African migration to illuminate the human stories, hopes and infrastructures that underpin mobilities, going beyond familiar media narratives. At the seminar, we show the documentary 'Dakar, Panafrican City' - winner of the Jury Prize (National Selection), St.Louis Docs International Film Festival, April, 2026 - a beautiful and thought-provoking portrait of seven African migrants in Dakar, Senegal. The documentary is introduced by co-director and anthropologist Julie Kleinman. A panel of distinguished migration scholars starts the discussion with perspectives from their own research, followed by Q&A.
Programme
| 15.15-15.30 | Arrival |
| 15.30-15.35 | Welcome, Anja Simonsen |
| 15.35-16.15 | Documentary: 'Dakar, Panafrican City' with introduction and remarks, Julie Kleinman |
| 16.15-16.30 | Infrastructures of Free Movement: One-Stop Border Posts and the ECOWAS Paradox, Kossigari Djolar |
| 16.30-16.40 | Coffee break |
| 16.40-17.00 | Discussion kick-off: Amalie Ravn Weinrich, Jesper Bjarnesen and Thomas Gammeltoft-Hansen. Moderator: Nauja Kleist |
| 17.00-17.30 | Q&A |
The seminar will be held in English. Participation is free of charge but registration is required. Registration is available at DIIS website here.
The seminar will take place at Room 2.1.12 at CSS, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 2100 Copenhagen Ø.