In January 4 and February 2023, 5 two high-level discussions were convened by European leaders to discuss migration. This follows on from previous commitments under the EU-African Union(AU) partnership and the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. 6 The main outcome from these engagements is tighter measures on migration, including punitive approaches towards countries that reject returns and readmissions from Europe and/or do not partner with Europe on programmes to counter irregular migration from Africa to Europe. The EU's New Pact on Migration and Asylum, 7 which is the basis of Europe's strategic engagement on migration, has a securitised approach to migration management. There is dissonance between this'new' approach and the EU's policy coherence for development and Africa's efforts for regional integration and development. 8 At its core, the'New' Pact is all about responding to irregular migration: a 10-year-old strategy by Europe that raises questions as to whether it is a'new' approach at all. The EU's Emergency Trust Fund for Africa 9 , for example, has seen Europe using funding for development cooperation for migration controls, including in attempting to curb migration via the Central Mediterranean route. 10 This has had varying success. Significantly, it has resulted in growing insecurity and instability and increased smuggling, particularly in countries where the social compact between the population and the state is weak or non-existent. Thus, at its core, the'New' Pact is all about responding to irregular migration: a 10-year­old strategy by Europe that raises questions as to whether it is a'new' approach at all. While opinions vary, the main point that cuts across the varied analyses of the New Pact is that migration and mobility are central to the relationship between the EU and Africa, and engagement on these is unavoidable. Recognising that, for both Europe and Africa, migration and mobility are key areas is one thing. Understanding the divergence in views and approaches is another. The respective priorities for Africa and Europe on migration differ. For Africa, migration is a development and demographic issue. For Europe, as the New Pact shows, it is a technical, security­centred issue. Nevertheless, there is increasing acceptance that most African migration is within the continent. Furthermore, data shows that of those African migrants that leave the African continent, most go to Europe, with the majority following safe and regular channels of migration. 11 Then, the majority of asylum seekers entering Europe are from the Middle East and Asia, not Africa, while Africa is playing a key role in the comprehensive refugee response. Finally, there is mutual recognition that African countries host almost a third ofthe world's refugees and that they do so with limited resources. All these dynamics, however, do not mean that migration between Africa and Europe is a'lesser' issue. As the human cost of irregular migration continues to take its toll, both Europe and Africa need pragmatic discussions on the right policies and practices on migration and mobility. These should be designed in a collaborative, comprehensive and consultative manner. Does the New Pact do this? Not quite, but it can. 3. Are lessons ever learnt? Building bridges over troubled waters The New Pact is framed as an attempt at a 'carrot and stick' approach. African countries are'rewarded'(the carrot) for limiting irregular migration out of Africa to Europe, and'penalised' (the stick) when they fail to do so. The practice, to date, however, is imbalanced: the EU uses a very big stick and provides a barely visible carrot. The'irregular' distraction in the New Pact. Entry points for Europe and Africa 5