Belongingness: In Search of a Framework for Authentic Integration of Migrants

This work explores the African sense of belongingness in search of a harmonizing and nonassimilating framework alternative to those that accentuate difference, diversity, and otherness. This is an African ontologico-existential theory, which perceives being as belonging. Because of its relational and dialogical propensities, the conversational method is here employed. The African sense of belongingness is characteristically participatory, egalitarian, pluralistic, and inclusive. Its principles of solidarity and subsidiarity with contributivedistributive mechanisms guarantee healthy relationships and a balance of autonomy and integrity. These principles can engender a fair and rational ethical model. The thesis of this article is that the principles and values inherent in an African sense of belongingness can be harnessed to provide a humane framework for the authentic integration of migrants.