Pape
There are fleets from Asia and the European Union. They, especially the Asian boats, take everything in their path. We have little contact with them except for occasional greetings.
Stories
Badou
I have friends who migrated in search of a better life. Some of them died en route. Others made it safely and some have returned due to difficulties encountered in the host countries, and even then, they are willing to go back.
Dudu
Our largest canoes would struggle to catch one ton of fish a day whereas these fleets, without any real effort, can catch a thousand tons.
Mousa
The big boats are causing us a lot of trouble. They don’t simply stop at cutting our nets; they even split canoes into two. Some fishermen have died in the process. It is really dangerous for us, especially at night.
Ahamadou
The problem is the government. They have prohibited us from fishing in fishing parks in Joal and Ngaparou at the pain of heavy fines. I have been the victim of such fines.
Bah: ‘I had an illness on my left foot and could not find proper treatment’
When you are in Africa, you don’t know what happens in Europe, and even if someone explains to you, you don’t believe them until you get here.
Bah: ‘I had an illness on my left foot and could not find proper treatment’ Read More »
Momoh: “If there is poverty in a country, it is not easy to stay there”
Our journey to France took me through six countries: Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Morocco, Spain and then France
Momoh: “If there is poverty in a country, it is not easy to stay there” Read More »
Bouba: “People back home perceive people who come here as having a good life because they see pictures of them with nice clothes.”
I have not returned home since I got here. I don’t really have any family. They threatened them, and I haven’t heard from my mother in three years. But she is alive; I have a friend who gave me news about her.
Ibrahim
I was born into a fishing family. From my great-grandfather to my father, we knew only fishing. So my children will take over from me.
Omar
Fresh fish are rare because of European boats that prevent fish from coming to the coast. Before it was enough to spend six hours at sea to return but these days it is simply not feasible.