Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

Thousands of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa have converged in the Tunisian governorate of Sfax, all with the shared aspiration of reaching Europe. Vincent, an Ivorian migrant, recounted his arduous seven-month journey, navigating through Mali, Niger, and the Algerian desert before reaching Sfax. However, his voyage was abruptly halted by Tunisian authorities at sea last weekend. Undeterred by the setback, Vincent, resolute in his determination, vowed to persist in his pursuit of reaching Europe, declaring that only death could thwart his ambitions. His sentiments echo those of many others in similar circumstances, driven by desperation and hope for a better life…

West African countries like Senegal and Gambia are witnessing a surge in migrants attempting to reach Europe, particularly the Canary Islands. Senegalese authorities recently reported halting boats carrying over 500 individuals bound for the Canaries just this month. Between May 7 and May 16 2024, the Senegalese navy intercepted four boats carrying a total of 554 people in waters off Dakar, the capital, and Saint-Louis, a north-western city. The latest interception, on May 16, involved a boat with 116 individuals on board, stopped around 100 kilometers off the coast. Most of the migrants hail from Senegal or neighboring countries, with…

As Europe prepares for the upcoming European Parliament elections slated from June 6th to 9th, 2024, migration policies stand as a pivotal issue shaping the political landscape across the continent. Each major political party has articulated its views on key migration issues, reflecting diverse perspectives and approaches. European People’s Party (EPP) The center-right European People’s Party (EPP), holding the most seats in the EU Parliament, advocates for a robust approach to border control and migration management. In its manifesto, the EPP pledges to triple Frontex staff to 30,000, aiming to transform the EU border agency into a more effective European…

In a bold move that underscores the unwavering commitment of humanitarian organizations to their lifesaving missions, the German NGO-run ship “Sea-Eye 4” has set sail from the port of Taranto, Italy, on May 14, embarking on a new chapter in its quest to rescue migrants stranded in the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This departure comes in the wake of a 60-day administrative seizure imposed by Italian authorities, which the organization has condemned as “the longest ever imposed on a rescue ship” under the controversial “Piantedosi decree.” This decree, enacted by the Italian government, allows for the impoundment and…

The sobering reality of the global internal displacement crisis has been laid bare in a newly released report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC). According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), an unprecedented 75.9 million individuals were living in internal displacement at the end of 2023, marking a new record high that underscores the urgent need for collective action. The IDMC’s Global Report on Internal Displacement (GRID) highlights the multifaceted challenges driving this escalating crisis, including conflicts, natural disasters, and the worsening impacts of climate change. Nearly 47 million new internal displacements were recorded in 2023 alone, a…

The Mediterranean Sea has once again witnessed a distressing scene as a migrant boat capsized off the southern coast of Crete, prompting a swift response from the Greek authorities. The Hellenic Coast Guard has been lauded for its heroic efforts in rescuing 42 migrants from the ill-fated vessel, while an extensive search continues for at least three individuals reported missing. On Thursday, May 16th 2024, a distress call was received by the Italian authorities from a migrant boat in distress approximately 50 kilometers south of the Greek island of Crete. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Italian authorities promptly…

A somber reality unfolds at Habib Bourguiba Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia, as the scent of death permeates the air around its morgue. Behind closed doors and barred entrances, the bodies of deceased migrants lie in wait, their identities often unknown, their stories untold. Hospital staff, clad in protective gear, guard these silent halls with reluctance to speak. The veil of silence shrouding the morgue hints at a deeper narrative of secrecy and suppression. Attempts to shed light on the situation are met with resistance, as authorities prefer to keep the issue hidden from public scrutiny. The surge in migrant arrivals,…

At the heart of the Turin Book Fair, Nobel laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah highlighted the pressing issue of migration through his acclaimed novel, “The Last Gift.” Gurnah, recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2021, emphasized the necessity of comprehending our historical roots and individual identities. Gurnah, a prominent figure at the fair on May 12 2024, drew attention to the plight of migrants and advocated for a more compassionate approach towards their experiences. He expressed deep concern over Europe’s treatment of migrants, describing it as inhumane. Gurnah voiced his dismay at the harsh realities faced by migrants, who risk…

In a move that has ignited controversy, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has proposed hiring migrants, including undocumented immigrants, to address lifeguard shortages in the city. His suggestion, made during a briefing on Memorial Day weekend preparations, has drawn both support and criticism. Mayor Adams highlighted the paradox of having a significant population of skilled swimmers in the city while facing shortages in lifeguard positions. He argued that denying employment opportunities to individuals with swimming proficiency solely based on their immigration status is illogical. However, his remarks have sparked debate, with many pointing out the perpetuation of stereotypes and…

After years of deliberation, the European Union (EU) has reached a significant milestone by approving a comprehensive overhaul of its migration and asylum policies. Economy ministers representing the EU’s 27 member countries gave the green light to the reform on Tuesday 14th of May 2024, marking a pivotal moment in addressing the longstanding challenges associated with migration management within the bloc. The reform plan entails a series of measures aimed at strengthening borders and fostering shared responsibility among EU member states regarding asylum seekers. This move comes amidst mounting pressure to address migration issues, particularly in light of the upcoming…