The NGO Otra Africa  organiser of the Dakar International Colloquium on Migration, which took place from 10 to 12 April, recognised the daily efforts of outstanding migration advocates , in the hope of inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

All work deserves pay,’ as the saying goes. And it remains essential to set examples for others, because the cause of migration will never have enough supporters. This event is also an opportunity for the organisers to honour the great figures of the migration cause.

On 12 April, the NGO Otra Africa held a ceremony to present trophies in recognition of the efforts of those who have distinguished themselves in defending migrants, who continue to perish at sea or in the hostile desert environment. Twenty recipients in total had their involvement in this noble cause recognised. These included Senegalese, Guinean and Spanish public figures, members of the media, diplomats and security officers, such as the Deputy Director General of the National Police, Inspector General Abdou Wahab Sall, and the Honorary Consul of Senegal in Nouadhibou, Boughourbal Moulaye Abasse. According to the organisation’s leader, Souleymane Alioune Diallo, the latter deserves this distinction in many respects. “He is always there for the migrants, paying for their care and repatriation operations out of his own pocket”.

Expressing his delight at receiving this distinction, the Consul and philanthropist emphasised the importance of strengthening relations between Mauritania and Senegal, two countries that are closely linked. “As former President Léopold Sédar Senghor said, the Senegal River is a source of unity. It is not a border. Our strength is also rooted in the complementary nature of our populations. In my family, 50% are black and 50% are Arab. Our joint families live on both sides of the border in Rosso, Kaedi and Boghé. They are brothers and sisters. This complementarity must be strengthened for the benefit of our two countries. I am very happy to receive this award. I would like to thank my Senegalese colleagues who work with me.”

 During his speech, the diplomat also touched upon recent events relating to the repatriation operations organised by Mauritania. However, Moulaye Abasse wants to clear up any confusion on the subject and present his account of events. “I would like to clarify certain assertions. These are security issues that also need to be addressed. There are jihadist movements in our region with which we must reckon. In Mauritania, a country of 4.5 million people, there are 1.3 million immigrants. Unexpectedly, there has been a rise in crime’, he argues.As the Dakar International Symposium on Migration comes to a close, it is worth reiterating that this initiative could not be more timely in a global context where migrants receive little political attention.

The issue of migration is also very humanistic, as demonstrated by the theme ‘International migration: a bridge and vector for development between Europe and Africa‘. According to Mr Diallo, the closing event of this scientific meeting will be included in the national agenda of meetings in Senegal and registered with the Senegalese Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Association (SODAV) and the African Intellectual Property Organisation of Senegal.