Raising awareness about migration is everyone’s business, and this seems to be well understood in the suburbs of Dakar. As part of the fight against illegal emigration in Keur Massar, a suburb in Dakar, the Académie Banlieue Culture, Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Génération Solidaire Sénégalaise organised a workshop in February in Keur Massar to involve the Badiénou Gokh or ‘neighbourhood godmothers’ in raising awareness and promoting local alternatives.

‘Badjénou Gokh‘ are basically responsible for helping pregnant women and ensuring that they have regular antenatal check-ups. They also ensure that pregnant women are assisted by a health professional during childbirth. You are probably wondering how this concept, conceived some fifteen years ago by the former President of the Republic of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, relates to migration issues. Well, in the suburbs in particular, one should be able to provide some answers to this question. Especially since migration is of interest to everyone.

In order to combat irregular emigration in Senegal’s 46th Department, plagued by poverty and youth unemployment, the Académie Banlieue Culture (ABC), Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and Génération Solidaire organized a workshop on “Involving the Badiénou Gokh in raising awareness of irregular migration and promoting territorial alternatives.” The aim is to raise awareness about migration and involve the Badiénou Gokh due to their proximity to young people. In addition to the more ‘traditional’ neighbourhood leaders, chiefs, etc., other influential social figures with strong connections to the youth, who are particularly vulnerable to the lure of  migration, these courageous women can also have a vital role in voicing their perspectives to help potential migrants reconsider their decisions.

Several solutions were identified at the meeting. According to the president of the ABC, these include developing local industry by creating a value chain in economic sectors to enable young people to work and generate wealth. Amath Sarr called for the creation of a migration network in Keur Massar to propose strategies aimed at combating this scourge. He urged stakeholders to focus on returning migrants in order to succeed in the ongoing fight.

Keur Massar is a densely populated department with a lack of political support for its population, making it a potential hotspot for irregular migration. In short, this emerging department bears all the hallmarks of a shantytown. At times, the struggle to meet even the most basic needs can result in a harsh awakening, turning into a nightmare fueled by the illusion of El Dorado. “Endemic unemployment, the lack of support and guidance policies and the absence of opportunities continue to be the main drivers among many, of irregular emigration,” Mr. Sarr underlined. However, the social activist insists that this precarious situation should never be used as an excuse to embark on an uncertain journey. He explained that “with our organisation, we were certain that the possibilities for raising awareness were limitless. Involving the Badiénou Gokh in this fight is another crucial step that must be taken to prevent thousands of young people, particularly those from the suburbs and beyond, from perishing at sea or in the harsh desert.”

At the same time, the situation of African migrants in Europe and the US has worsened in recent years due to the rise of far-right policies. As a result, many have chosen to return home, aiming to invest and contribute to the fight against irregular migration. According to Amath Sarr, this newfound awareness, which enables individuals to reconnect with their roots, is a blessing in this crucial awareness-raising campaign. “We need to raise awareness among young people and involve returnees who faced challenges abroad in awareness campaigns. This strategy will have a real impact in the communities. They can discourage potential migrants and encourage them to explore alternative solutions,” explained the representative of the President of the Departmental Council of Keur Massar.

Yeumbeul also on high alert

This is ABC’s second event in the span of a week, following the one on migrant returnees to Yeumbeul Nord. In this popular area of the Dakar suburbs, the Académie Banlieue Culture (ABC) hosted a community roundtable titled “Wax Tānn Ci Dém Dikk,” focusing on the returnees. This event was part of a communication campaign aimed at ensuring the successful reintegration of returnees and promoting safe and orderly migration. Once again, the spotlight was on those making the reverse journey. “We had a highly enriching discussion with the entire community, highlighting the challenges returning migrants face in their social reintegration and the various mechanisms that need to be implemented at the local level.”

Several solutions were proposed to support these migrants, including the establishment of a psychological support center in Yeumbeul Nord. The local authorities present expressed their support for the creation of this center, in collaboration with the association and resources such as Mr. Mambouré, a psychotherapist.