Sub-Saharan Africans are increasingly migrating to North African Mediterranean shores, especially to the interminable Libyan shoreline, using the region in the erroneous belief that it is an easy stepping stone to southern Europe, mainly Italy. Like their forefathers who were victims of the inhuman slave markets, those who reach the Libya shores must be of hardy stock indeed.
They come from diverse countries not necessarily suffering from starvation, severe persecution or civil war; regions such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Liberia, Gambia, Mali and affluent Nigeria. Although the media very often portrays these migrants as “miserable”, “destitute” or “ desperate”, they are relatively well-off financially, sufficiently educated and most of them coming from a moderate socio-economic background.
When one considers the hefty sums amounting to thousands of dollars these migrants pay to rapacious human traffickers, the conclusion is manifestly obvious – they are hoping to reach the “legendary pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” waiting for them in Europe.
A BBC interview with Don Roberto, an energetic Italian priest who has devoted his mission in the service of these migrants in the Calabria region, revealed that in their majority the migrants were not aware of the perilous Mediterranean crossing where thousands end up in a watery grave. They also believed that a benevolent Europe would meet them with open arms and offer them rewarding jobs compatible with their hard-won qualifications.
When their dreams are shattered by disillusion or xenophobia, they save money to return home.
A well-conducted benign push-back operation is the only way forward, a necessary evil, an exceptional case where the end justifies the means
In such a dire situation it becomes obvious that by encouraging this migration, Europe is doing the sub-Saharan states a great disservice by denuding these countries of their best elements, of those who can contribute so much to the economical, educational and social development.
The stark reality is that the affluent middle class of these countries, always the backbone of progress, is being gradually eroded with bitter consequences.
The employment trajectories for the few sub-Saharan Africans who manage to get to Europe are very diverse, reflecting different educational attainment, ease of integration and access to jobs that match their qualifications.
When a few decades ago Catholic priests in Africa were abandoning their native flock for the lush pastures of Europe, Pope John Paul II urged these priestly deserters to stay in their diocese as their countries needed them both spiritually and materially.
At this point in time, when migration from Sub-Saharan Africa surges alarmingly, a stern warning should be relayed to these countries by the United Nations and the African Union in order to do their utmost to stop the rot. These countries are being deprived of their best elements to the detriment of their educational, economic and social advancement.
The web of corruption involving billions of dollars in human trafficking is so rampant that only the direct involvement of the UN in these countries would contain this wastage of talent. As this nest of vipers has filtered through to the highest echelons of society at all levels, the people have to be given a true and honest picture of the dangers to be encountered, the hefty sums to be paid and the miserable inhuman conditions awaiting them.
The United Nations should ensure that documentaries are shown on the national TV stations of these countries provided by a special UN Task Force on a direct local mission to ensure the greatest exposure.
Although through stringent pressure in the European Union and the ever- mounting local xenophobia, north African state authorities have been requested to intensify internal policies and take strong measures against human traffickers, the smuggling of migrants is so lucrative and so pervasive that it is a mammoth task.
In the prevailing situation and in the interest of all stakeholders, I believe that a well-conducted benign push-back operation is the only way forward, a necessary evil, an exceptional case where the end justifies the means.
The proposal by the EU to assist in the economic and educational development of these countries is a step in the right direction which should be implemented without further delay.
Better use should be made of the social media to reach the masses in Sub-Saharan Africa and reveal the dangers and conditions they may face. We have had enough conferences, summits and meetings to no avail. The only solution is direct intervention and economic development on site.