Migration
we all know is a hot topic in many developing countries including The Gambia.
Also known as the ‘Back-way’ in The Gambia, the perilous journey goes through
several African countries and then across Sahara desert and onboard inflatable
boats across the Mediterranean Sea.
It
was reported in our yesterday’s edition that Germany is planning to deport at
least 3, 400 Gambians, who are reported to be illegally living in Germany. This
is a huge number and there is growing concern and fear among many Gambians in
Germany and even their families back home, especially those who relatives are currently
under police custody.
As
rightly stated by Mai Fatty as he ends his recent tour of Europe, Gambia must
begin serious negotiation with European countries as The Gambia is not the only
country facing this migration challenge.
Youths
in other African countries are also embarking on this perilous journey and
their home countries are refusing to receive its citizens each time EU
countries try to deport them. But why is it only The Gambia as seen last year,
is accepting its citizens from these EU countries mostly in humiliating manner.
Europe must engage African countries including The Gambia by educating and
training our citizens with life skills to be productive citizens rather than
sending them back without skills. Keeping them for years without doing anything
does not tell well. Africa though has lost thousands of its promising youths in
the hot deserts and in their attempt to cross the vast expanse of sea. However,
those who survived this dangerous journey are making a great impact on the
lives of their families back home.
The
monthly remittances they send back home helped many poor families in their
daily commitments. Germany should critically look at its deportation policies
especially when relating to citizens from The Gambia, a country that has just
emerged from 22 years of brutal dictatorship, with numerous security challenges
and right abuses. Let’s dialogue and find a common solution to this problem.
‘‘The
word nobody wants to use, but you see if you are here illegally, that’s the
punishment, deportation.’’
Tom
Tancredo
