The recent migration crisis has prompted NGO, OTRA Africa, to rise up to the challenge. The civil society organisation holds a gathering from 9th to 12th April  for more in-depth discussions on migration issues. At a time when migration remains a global priority, the Dakar international symposium promises to be a groundbreaking initiative, bringing hope and lasting solutions by putting the civil society at the forefront of the debate on migration policy issues. 

OTRA Africa is organising a four-day international symposium to allow for an in-depth and unbiased look at current migration issues. “The Dakar gathering is being organised by the international organisation, OTRA Africa in collaboration with CILMI Comité Interministériel de la Lutte Contre la Migration Irrégulière. It is expected to be attended by over 200 participants, including representatives of the governments of Senegal, Spain, France as well as other African and European countries, the Senegalese diaspora and the civil society”, explains Souleymane Alioune Diallo, Coordinator of NGO OTRA Africa. He went on to present the event as not being just another gathering given that it is being held in the context of a crisis (Note: the deportations of migrants in the USA and the resurgence of irregular immigration). “Discussions at this international gathering promise to be open and inclusive,” he said.

Although he indicated that his organisation was proactive in the process, Diallo called on the Senegalese government to ensure the success of this major event. “We have taken every precaution to ensure the success of this event, which is the first to be organised by a civil society organisation. However, it is clear that external support from the central government is always welcome”. 

Preview of topics to be discussed 

In the lead-up to this pivotal event on migration, the Coordinator of the NGO, examines the latest burning issues of the moment, which will be given greater prominence at the symposium. “The signing of the new agreement between Senegal and Morocco must be welcomed. It is worth recalling that this issue dates back to 2004. We can only be happy that it has now come to fruition,” said Souleymane Alioune Diallo, President of NGO OTRA Africa, giving us a preview of the topics to be discussed. He then went on to give some details about the convention. “Morocco can use this partnership to repatriate Moroccan prisoners convicted in Senegal. However, on both the Senegalese and Moroccan sides, it is always the prisoner who must decide whether or not to be transferred”.

The other major concern for OTRA Africa has to do with the West African borders. “The situation in Mauritania worries us, insofar as, according to our informants on the ground, these are selective raids targeting West African nationals. Unfortunately, Mauritania is in the habit of doing this, which is why we are calling on Nouakchott to show restraint to prevent escalation especially with Mali, where people on the other side of the border have begun to retaliate,” he clarified. 

Mr Diallo continued, noting “ the inhumane conditions of detention. “What’s more, there are certain rules to be observed to expel a migrant, such as informing the consular authorities of the migrants in question. Mauritania has done none of this. The situation in Mali is even worse, and could flare up at any moment. The Mauritanian authorities need to take relevant action to avoid escalation and preserve the spirit of good neighbourliness. It is clear that such events seriously damage the reputation of this sister country.”

Furthermore, for Souleymane Alioune Diallo and his comrades, the fact that no African country appears on the American visa facilitation list shows ‘a clear lack of consideration’ for an entire continent. As such, NGO OTRA Africa has called on African heads of State to react,believing that the fate of the continent should not be left in the hands of Washington. ‘African presidents must be able to speak up with one voice to denounce the contempt being shown by the White House towards the continent. They cannot tell us that out of fifty or so countries, not a single one meets the conditions required to enter the United States without a visa’. 

Prime Minister’s presence expected

Birame Khoudia Lo, a member of the organising committee, is banking on the presence of the head of the Government Ousmane Sonko at this ground-breaking event. “We’ll be receiving a large number of guests,” says the coordinator. 

“Our local authorities will also be in attendance. Wehave specially invited Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to attend the event,” he said. Birame Khoudia Lo added that “The PM’s voice matters, a large majority of young Senegalese do listen to him. We figured that if we could get him to give a keynote speech, for example, that should have more impact on young people” with regards to irregular migration.