(JollofNews) – Sierra Leone’s Ernest Bai Koroma has added his voice to the chorus of recriminations, describing the unfolding events in Libya as an ‘African Problem.’
Disturbing news reports continue to emerge from detention centres located in the Northern African country, revealing a new type of ‘slavery’ involving young Sub-Saharan Africans being ‘auctioned’ by their jailors.
“It is a regional problem, an African problem. It is not only limited to The Gambia. We also have Sierra Leneans that are now returning
home,” he told reporters Friday during a press conference held at State House, Banjul.
President Koroma arrived Thursday in Gambia after attending a high-level Africa-EU Summit held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from November 28-29, 2017. The migration crisis topped the agenda as the ordeals of African migrants in Libya were uncovered by a CNN investigation.
He said the focus of the Africa-EU Summit was to see how they can work together to ensure that they can minimize what he termed as “uncontrolled migration” that is taking place.
“Nobody can stop migration. But uncontrolled migration that is what we have to focus on,” he stated.
Koroma then pointed out that African goverments need to create opportunities for young people to get engaged into more productive activity.
The Sierra Leonean leader said many young Africans leave their country out of ignorance as they succumbed to ‘false hopes’ and a good number of them ended up being duped and dumped by traffickers.
“How do we ensure to translate the energy of the youths info something more productive?” he qizzed.
Meanwhile, Gambia Information minister Demba Ali Jawo announced on November 29 that government is working on plans that would “fast-track and put in mechanisms to encourage Gambian youth to stay in the
country and partake in the rebuilding processes.”
Jawo further emphasized that where there is a need for youth migration, it must be done in context where their lives are not
endangered.
It is not a problem Mr President, it is a disgrace and sub regional humiliation. ECOWAS need a comprehensive and effective emergency repatriation policy on Libya humanitarian crisis. First our citizens must be released. Second they must receive necessary aid and support. Third they must be transported home and rehabilitated. Fourth leaders and countries should be required to develop policy to address and discourage such crisis in the future.
This seemingly insurmountable tragedy of migration has its roots to two factors which, if not curtail, will fester for a while. The ” PUSH” and ” PULL” factors, with the former seeing youths leaving for the proverbial ” greener pastures ” only to wallow in human camps in Libya will regrettably continue if young folks see no hopes and opportunities in their respective countries. It’s easy to dismiss their intentions as reckless and foolhardy but I sympathize and empathize with their decisions. It’s a basic human Instinct to want to better your self and provide for your family which in these circumstances is the “PUSH” factor.
This seemingly insurmountable tragedy of migration has its roots to two factors which, if not curtail, will fester for a while. The ” PUSH” and ” PULL” factors, with the former seeing youths leaving for the proverbial ” greener pastures ” only to wallow in human camps in Libya will regrettably continue if young folks see no hopes and opportunities in their respective countries. It’s easy to dismiss their intentions as reckless and foolhardy but I sympathize and empathize with their decisions. It’s a basic human Instinct to want to better your self and provide for your family.