African
migrants including some Senegambians based in Calais who attempted to cross
over to the United Kingdom are at the present time ‘’facing unprecedented
difficulties’’ pursuing their European dream.
The
Point learnt that since the migrants’ encampment in the vicinity of Calais
known as ‘’the jungle’’ was dismantled, many of the refugees are facing
‘’something never before known or experienced’’.
Calais
is a port city in Northern France and it’s a principal ferry crossing point
between France and England, where many of the migrants had settled.
Such
concerns prompted this correspondent to try and find out the whereabouts or
circumstances of some of the Senegambians since their removal from the camp few
months ago.
Twenty-six-year-old
Gambian Omar Ceesay, who was staying in the camp before it was dismantled, told
The Point that it was ‘’simply disappointing’’.
Omar
said: ‘’I came here hoping and praying that I will reach my destination only to
be turned back into another centre.’’
Inquiring
about his application submitted few months ago, he responded: “I don’t know...I
don’t even believe my application will be sorted anytime soon. I’m hopeless.’’
Omar
further recalled how they were dispersed by the French Police while staying in
Calais. The manner, together with the treatment and movement, in which the
Calais camp was dismantled has been a bone of contention over the past months.
Human
right bodies have heavily criticised the French riot Police (Compagnies
Republicaines de Securite, CRS) over the issue.
However
the authorities later described the allegation as ‘’slander’’.
But
few weeks later, the French Ombudsman, called ‘’Defenseur des Droits’’, also
criticised measures by local authorities resulting in ‘’inhuman living
conditions’’ for both asylum seekers and migrants.
Again
authorities stood firm and responded that the Police have been ‘’operating and
conducting their duties in accordance with the law’’.
Furthermore,
a court ruling had also ordered the authorities to allow migrants access to
‘’drinking waters, toilets, washing machines and other basic necessities’’. They had only 10 days to comply.
As
far as they are concerned, some of the Senegambians have a different point of
view in moving beyond the ‘’first point of arrival’’.
Currently
there are rules obliging refugees to register in the first country they
entered.
Senegalese
national Mamadou Thiam acknowledges that he should have stayed in Italy where
he ‘’first stopped as a migrant’’. However, he added that he couldn’t and was
later convinced by other refugees that ‘’we will be supported when we reach
further’’ in Europe.
Thiam
added: ‘’This is not what I was bargaining for... but I will keep trying
because turning back is not a solution for me.’’
Even
though most of the migrants moved to refugee centres, including the new Aid
Centre for asylum seekers outside Paris, some of the migrants are now living on
the streets and sleeping rough, some under road bridges.
Nonetheless,
there is now optimism and a new sense of hope as the newly elected French
President, Emmanuel Macron, has stressed that he doesn’t want to see ‘’anyone
on the street or in the forest again’’ adding that he wants ‘’emergency
accommodation everywhere....will accommodate everyone in a dignified way’’.
Whatever the case may be, both Omar and Mamadou are eagerly awaiting the outcome of their cases – whether, if they are not accepted as refugees, they will be able to stretch any further.
