These were the messages written on banners at the cultural centre Djoliba in the town centre of Bamako, Mali. More than 700 people present in Mali on the 15th and 16th of March last responded to the appeal of the Deported Malians Association Association des Maliens expulsés [1], reuniting deportees from European countries (notably France) and repressed persons from North Africa.
Deported from France after six and a half years of work in the building trade, leaving his wife and children behind
All were gathered to raise awareness in the Malian population of deportation conditions for immigrants and of their feelings of displacement in their own country after 10 or 15 years, or even more, of life abroad. Some nyogolon - “know oneself” in the local language Bambara, traditional Malian sketches were presented by former deportees and repressed persons. They depicted the experiences of these people during their attempts to cross the Mediterranean in makeshift boats, or their disastrous living conditions in European cities.
The participants were thus finally able to tell the story of their return to their country and the consequences of this return, for them and especially for their families. Ashamed of their failure, not many deportees tell their story to their entourage, of their journey back and of their humiliating and inhumane living conditions in Europe. The story of Sidi Mohamed Simpara, deported from France on the 23rd of March 2006 after eight years, of which six and a half were spent working in the building trade, and who left his wife and children behind, made everyone aware of the drama that deportees and repressed persons go through.
The members of the AME and the deportees at one of the conferences. / / © AME
The European Eldorado does not exist
Starting with their own experiences, participants then exchanged opinions on new European Union immigration laws, and on the consequences of these laws; the policies of African countries towards European security measures; the externalisation of borders; the role of countries south of the Mediterranean; co-development.
The public were extremely receptive and several people intervened to give their opinions or to ask for further explanations from the speakers. The presence of the media, press, radio and even national television, the ORTM; the presence of Badra Alou Macalou, Malian Minister for foreign affairs and African integration, and civil participation at this event all demonstrate the interest that the subject of immigration raises in the country. Jean-Claude Amara and Raymond Chauveau, from the Association Droits Devant [2] (Association Rights First), partner of the AME, participated in a private radio programme Kayira in Bamako, mainly listened to by young people. The broadcast concerned notably the necessity for the Malian people to persuade the government to refuse to cede to the French authorities, and to sign agreements regarding the migratory flux with European countries. These two days of debate brought home a message to candidates for immigration, that a European Eldorado does not exist.
Moreover, the silence which generally surrounds the experiences of deportees was broken. This will enable a better understanding of the problems of deportees after their return, by their entourage and by society as a whole.
Also read: Resonances Africa N° 23 - April 2008
