Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-02-27 09:26:03
Muhammed Lamin Dibba shares his harrowing experience at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, where he was subjected to discrimination and dehumanization during a security check. Despite holding a valid passport and having no illicit items on him, Dibba was treated with suspicion and subjected to a thorough search that bordered on violation of his dignity. This incident shed light on the inherent biases and prejudices faced by African migrants at border checkpoints.
Dibba’s experience is not isolated but rather reflects a broader issue of the securitization of borders and the differential treatment faced by migrants based on their nationality and race. The author highlights the need for countries like the Netherlands to reassess their border security measures and prioritize human dignity over unnecessary and discriminatory searches.
Drawing on E Tendayi Achiume’s work on migration as decolonization, Dibba underscores the historical context of European migration to colonial territories, contrasting it with the restrictive visa policies faced by African migrants today. The author calls attention to the unequal treatment of migrants from Third World countries, particularly Africans, and emphasizes the need for solidarity and support from the international community.
In light of the trauma experienced by African migrants in the West, Dibba calls for global solidarity and a reevaluation of border security practices that perpetuate discrimination and bigotry. He urges the Netherlands and other countries to acknowledge their role in perpetuating systemic racism and to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable immigration system that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.
As a master’s degree candidate at The Geneva Graduate Institute, Dibba’s personal account serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by African migrants in navigating border crossings and the urgent need for a more compassionate and fair approach to immigration. By sharing his story, Dibba calls on the international community to stand in solidarity with all migrants who face discrimination and prejudice, particularly at airports in the West.
Read the original article on The Standard
