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rassimian
United Kingdom
168 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Nov 2012 : 21:42:45
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All over the world people leave their homeland to travel to another place for a variety of reasons. The last 10 years at least have seen Africans travel abroad in large numbers many of them doing so illegally. Whatever the arguments for or against this practice these travellers seem to be all too often forgotten unless some tragedy strikes and it becomes a major news story in another country.
What about all the Gambians who have endured hardship and danger just to reach their so called 'promised land.' Some of the members of this Bantaba whether they have posted or not must know of Gambian friends who have left their village or town and are now in pastures new. How are they doing? What is their situation?
I pose this as a question and an invitation to anyone who can shed light in a personal way on these forgotten people.
This is my contribution.
Two years ago I was visiting a small town in southern Spain,Cuevas de Almanzora,looking around its castle when I met a young Gambian guy. He was a little bit cautious about talking but said he had been in Spain for about 2 years,had no job and didn't speak Spanish. I should have found out some more but he was wary for some reason. There seemed to be a group of Africans in this small town all hanging about doing nothing.
This October I was in a camp site in Rianza, northern Spain when I got talking to another Gambian.He was from a place near to Farafenni and was there with his cousin. He was a Fula and said he didn't speak Wolof but he knew some Spanish as he was working at the campsite.His story was that he had paid 600 Euros to get to Morocco and had then illegally entered Spain by boat. He had been in Spain for 5 years, had not been back to Gambia cos he said his passport was in the Gambia. He missed his family but was trapped in Spain .Judging by his situation he was not earning much money, was living in a small caravan and was in a place that was near to La Pinella a nearby ski resort. So much for his 'promised land'. As far as I know Spain won't repatriate Africans so he and his cousin are stuck there. I'm not sure this a good news story but he might think differently.
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 12 Nov 2012 : 19:30:26
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Rassimian,
The story of an immigrant is like that of the desert traveler. As one travels in the desert with hunger and thirst, one sees a mirage thinking it will be water. As you get to it, you realize it is not. You are forced to keep dreaming again and again. You keep moving on despite all the things that come with it.
Last year, I had a friend who wanted to use the down way to Spain. He was stranded in Morocco. When I spoke with him, I convinced him to meet with me in Dakar in December as I was in the area. From our conversation in Dakar, he agreed to go home to the Gambia.
I am not trying to bring politics into this thread. Bad governments are responsible for most of these movements. People are poor and without jobs. Basic rights and freedom are not respected. Food is in scarcity. Basic commodities are sky-rocketing, etc...
Using the back way is too risky. It won't be my advice for anyone. At the same time, I understand and share their frustrations.
Thanks
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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rassimian
United Kingdom
168 Posts |
Posted - 13 Nov 2012 : 11:27:01
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Dalton, you did a good thing persuading someone to return. For many, the fact is that they are stuck where they are whether they want to return or not.
I have just seen a film called La Pirogue (Goor Fitt) a French/Senegalese collaboration about people who decide to go to Spain. A very sad film , see it if you can. Between 2005 and 2010 it is estimated that 30,000 Africans have tried to get to Europe and of those 5000 have died . A 1 in 6 chance of not making it. Politics play a big part in why people decide to risk all to seek that 'pot of gold' but things aren't about to change soon so anyone thinking about making that move should think again. |
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sab
United Kingdom
912 Posts |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2012 : 01:43:02
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Thanks for the Foroyaa Link Sab. The number of immigrants getting stranded is alarming.There is too much risk involved and it is worth the trouble sometimes.
Good to see your lines always.
Thanks,
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2012 : 17:26:36
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalton1
[...There is too much risk involved and it is worth the trouble sometimes. ...]
I meant to say it is NOT worth the trouble. Excuse my errors.
Thanks. |
"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 27 Nov 2012 : 22:37:11
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FOROYAA BURNING ISSUES NEWS;
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