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The Sahara ’s new deadly external border

Edited by Andrea Stäritz and Julia Stier December 2018

A publication by borderline europe – Menschenrechte ohne Grenzen and Bildungswerk Berlin der Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

Photo: Christian Jakob The Sahara – EUrope’s new deadly external border The Sahara – EUrope’s new deadly external border

Photo by: Andrea Stäritz

Andrea Stäritz

is a journalist and consultant focusing on West since close to 20 years. After having worked in Index for 5 years, she Preface returned to Berlin in the end of 2017 where she joined borderline -europe to pag.03 strengthen the work on the externalized borders in Africa. She has contributed to the Migration Control Preface Project of Tageszeitung from by Andrea Stäritz & Julia Stier and is now by Andrea Stäritz & Julia Stier focusing on human rights violations on the new In 1993, the German government ratified the rivers Oder and Neiße when these southern border of the the so-called ‘asylum compromise’, chan- rivers were still physical EU borders. European Union in Africa. ging the constitutional right to asylum. Today in is considered the pag.04 pag.09 Consequently victims of civil war would virtual externalized border of the Europe- not have the right to asylum but would get an Union. European financial aid, techni- subsidiary protection with limited rights. cal devices, military check points and “Defending” EUropean The Sahara a cemetery This was never really applied and for the drone surveillance in the are the borders in the Sahara under the open sky Photo by: first time used more than 20 years later main pillars of an externalized EU border. Julia Stier by Andrea Stäritz by Ibrahim Manzo Diallo for Syrian refugees. Further the concept In preparation of the 2005 EU enlarge- Julia Stier of Safe Third Countries was introduced. ment, asylum law was harmonized and just came back from her As a direct consequence of this ‘asylum Frontex as a European border control research period in , pag.12 pag.14 and is currently compromise’, border controls were rein- agency was founded. The Rabat Process writing her two Master theses in and Social forced, especially on airports, and refuge- (2006) and the Process (2014) Sciences at Humboldt- es started to cross the European external gave birth to the new virtual EU borders in Interview with Kumut Interview with University in Berlin. At borderline -europe, she borders by feet. First cases of drowning and the Sahara. Third coun- Imesh, film-maker of Mohamed Mena, established the section were reported only a few months later. tries became Europe’s door keepers and “Revenir – to return” Gatroon Center of working on the externalization All together, 19 refugees from mainly Sri the border control was externalized. Human Rights of the EU border and migration by Andrea Stäritz policies on the African Lanka died at the then East-European To counter the underreported death toll in early 2017. In her by Ibrahim Manzo Diallo research she is particularly border between Germany and Poland in in the Sahara in consequence of the focusing on developments in the river Neiße in the year 1994. Most externalized EU borders, borderline-eu- West Africa concerning EU migration politics. likely, there is a high number of unrepor- rope is networking with other activists in pag.16 pag.17 ted cases. Borderline- europe was foun- Europe and Africa. This docu- mentation ded in 2007 when the death toll was wants to inform and is based on work- tremendously increasing in the Mediter- shops and conferences in the years 2017 The root causes of What can we do? ranean and first rescue operations of and 2018 that were organized in coopera- migration are based on by Andrea Stäritz & Julia Stier unfair deals between Non-Governmental Organizations star- tion with Bildungswerk Berlin of Heinrich- Europe and Africa ted. The main focus of borderline eu- Böll-Stiftung. rope is to inform media and the general by Bruno Watara public on human rights violations at the Andrea Stäritz and Julia Stier European external and internal borders. borderline europe – Menschenrechte

Resources Since many years Bildungswerk Berlin of ohne Grenzen e.V.

1Dokumentationsstelle der Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung is an indispensable Antirassistischen Initiative Berlin (2018): Bundesdeutsche partner for borderline-europe’s work. Flüchtlingspolitik und ihre tödlichen Folgen. Berlin: Antirassistische Many events and conferences have been Initiative E.V. organized together. First people died in

2 3 Resources

2https://www.iom.int/sites/defa ult/files/our_work/DMM/AVRR /avrr-2017-key-highlights.pdf 3 3https://www.middleeasteye.n et/news/we-do-not-return-hel l-migrants-refuse-leave-ship- standoff-libyan-authorities-96 5458684

4https://www.amnesty.org/en/l atest/news/2018/11/cruel-euro pean-migration-policies-leave -refugees-trapped-in--wi th-no-way-out/

5Factsheet EUCAP “Defending” EUropean https://bit.ly/2r3DmuK

6Promotional film by Bundeswehr https://www.youtube.com/wat borders in the Sahara ch?v=R08I7AmyMTE

7https://www.middleeasteye.n et/news/hundreds-migrants-r escued-faulty-vessels-betwee by Andrea Stäritz n--and-spain-moroc Makeshift camps in Agadez, Source: Afrique Europe Interact can-navy-says-618819172

8https://alarmphone.org/en/20 The November 2017 images of slave auctions shocked 18/09/06/they-took-us-they-e While UNHCR has asked for 40,000 (1000 places) and three in Niamey help to set up a small business. ven-deported-us-inshallah-ne resettlement places as of 22 May (for a total of 300 places); one of IOM is pursuing a very effective the international public. CNN had shot a dubious video xt-time/ 2018, 11 states have committed less them is accommodating media strategy. Side-lining critical and suddenly the horrific situation of migrants in Libya than a tenth of this numbers for unaccompanied minors and journalists IOM is providing Amnesty took the headlines. This article will show the different International resettlement from Libya. vulnerable women, some of whom testimonies of migrants who are reactions to the so-called news. In reality, these living are victims of trafficking. The centres grateful, happy and overwhelmed published its report in IOM, within the framework of the have been financially backed with with emotions when coming back conditions of migrants and of those in transition in November 2017 and called for a stop of the program “voluntary return“ is dealing 91.9 million Euros from the EU Africa home. These testimonies talk about Libya were known for a while, also to the embassies, cruel EU policy - but with the vast majority of evacuation, Trust Fund. Allegedly, the Republic the support of stranded migrants, was more or less the EU and the broader international community. unheard. Amnesty had deportations and expulsions. IOM of Niger accepts only 1500 people at the assistance to return and a small criticized the three Voluntary Return Program is a very any given moment on their soil. In grant to open a business. But, the pillars of the European Union policy aimed at efficient program which is lacking total, IOM claims that since January figures of IOM show, that only 5000 Has anything changed in Libya? Hardly. stopping migration: the critical reporting. Germany is the top 2017 about 23,500 migrants have people really received the small boosting of the country with 41% of returnees, Niger received immediate post -arrival and grant to reintegrate, but another At least not for the better. capacity of the Libyan Coast Guard to is the top transit country (2016): reception assistance; 16,000 40,000 were returned and got intercept sea crossings, 98,00 returns; in 2017: 72,100 migrants have been assisted with nothing more than first aid, striking deals with militias in Libya and returns. Today, IOM operates seven general reintegration support such something to eat and a good advice. Mostly unnoticed the , UNHCR has established a hampering the work of camps in Niger for returnees from as referrals and counselling sessions In the annual report 2017 IOM even European Union and International Temporary Emergency Evacuation NGOs carrying out Libya: One in (300 places), one and only 5000 people have received stipulates that 72,176 “profited” from Reaction 1 search and rescue Organization of Migration (IOM) have and Transit mechanism (ETM) in operations. These EU in (150 places), one in Agadez additional reintegration support like the voluntary return program. formed a joined task force to Niger. Evacuees and deportees are policies have AU, EU and contributed to a nearly IOM join hands evacuate refugees and migrants screened to check whether they are 80% drop in the IOM Camp in Agadez, Source: Christian Jakob to evacuate from Libya starting from December eligible for resettlement programs. It numbers of people crossing the Central from Libya 2017. The task force was limited for a concerns only a very small number Mediterranean Route period of six months and evacuated of people, considered as refugees. and arriving in Italy, from 114.415 between some 15,000 people to Niger. Only a The UN refugee organisation has January and November bit more than 1000 people stayed, evacuated 1609 people; only 467 2017 to 22-232 so far in but the vast majority was directly cases were submitted for 2018 (Jan – Oct). flown to their country of origin. The resettlement. As of 22 May 2018, 11 EU Africa Trust Fund financially States have provided a total of 3781 backed the operation.The strategic resettlement places for the plan of the EU to build up platforms Libya-Niger situation. Out of these for migrants and refugees in the pledges, 1100 will be used for direct had not been successful. out of Libya resettlement Instead, IOM and UNHCR created proceedings while 2681 places will facilities in Niger to receive refugees, be allocated to evacuees from Libya migrants and deportees. and refugees registered in Niger.

4 5 The Sahara – EUrope’s new deadly external border The Spanish coastguard, meanwhile, That makes Spain the leading desti-  Reaction 4 said on Sunday, November 18 2018 , nation for migrants this year, outpa- that it had rescued nearly 1200 cing both Italy and Greece. Deaths in The migrant people bound for Spain in a 48-hour the Mediterranean remain high, the routes are period. A total of 38,451 migrants IOM says, at 1777 so far in 2018. But shifting from have arrived in Spain by sea from the that number remains lower than the Libya back to start of the year until 3rd of October 2,749 deaths recorded at the same and 2018, according to the International time last year. In mid-November 2018, the case of people but were not allowed to Morocco Organization for Migration. Also the Reaction 2 migrants refusing to disembark an disembark in Italy. After a hunger Moroccan Coast Guard is pressuring Italian container ship shed light on strike and international diplomatic for more money to gear up their Total arrivals by sea Refugees and the atrocious situation for migrants efforts, finally the refugees were rescue operations and pull back Migrants increase in Libya. For 19 days migrants allowed to disembark, after a couple refugees who are on boats in the resistance to the refused to disembark the Nivin – of European countries agreed to Mediterranean. and deaths in the new strategy of only to find themselves being host them. The Italian Justice is now the European arrested, detained again in Libya and investigating the Minister of Interior mediterranean 2017-2018 Union to push accused of piracy and terrorism. for “unlawful detention” and “abuse back or pull back 1 JANUARY - 3 OCTOBER 2018 1 - 3 OCTOBER 2018 1 JANUARY - 3 OCTOBER 2017 people trying The abuse of refugees and migrants of administrative powers”. to cross the for political purposes already had Mediterranean. another sad peak in August 2018: Country Of Arrivals Arrivals Deaths Arrivals Arrivals Deaths the Disciotti, an Italian border patrol Italy board had rescued hundreds of 21,119 95 106,876 1,261 2,558 Migrants travelling at night. Photo: Christian Jakob Malta (Central Med. route) (Central Med. route) 714 0 n/a (IOM est)

Greece 23,560 320 1,934 118 46 Cyprus (Eastern Med. route) 501 (Eastern Med. route) 501 16 (as of 31 July)

Spain 38,451 398 1,060 12,366 145 (Western Med. route) (as of 30 Sept) (Western Med. route)

Estimated Total: 84,345 1,737 1,491 139,677 7,749

Design by Andrea Picadaci, source of data IOM

As we have seen in the 90s, another IOM reports, that they rescued 7000 Data on deaths of migrants compiled by IOM’s Global Reaction strategy to make the borders invinci- migrants at the Niger border from Migration Data Analysis 5 Centre. All numbers are ble is to clear neighbouring countries January to May 2018. In July 2018 minumum estimates. from refugees. Deportation from these deportations were stopped Arrivals based on data from Algeria is respective governments deporting Algeria has increased dramatically after an international outcry. But, and IOM field offices. On November 12 this year, Germany of the EUTM has been expanded to migrants and since December 2016. From Decem- already there are thousands who refugees to the Reaction opened its first “military outpost” in Niger, and Mauretania in order ber 2016 to March 2018 about have lost their lives. 3 Sahara Africa. EUCAP Sahel has a multiple to support the troops of G5 Sahel 27,000 migrants have been expelled. A new wave was launched this year Europe mission: to combat terrorism and (, Niger, Chad, and reinforces the stop illicit trades with narcotics and ). The Sahel G5 was in June. Homes of Sub-Saharan militarizatio of humans as well as (since 2015) originally created as an African force Africans were raided and thousands the migration . The EUTM – training to fight terrorism (Al Qaida). Since of people arrested and carried away mission in Mali is the first major 2017 the European Union is contribu- with trucks . About 13,000 deporte- contribution of German armed ting 5 million Euros. es were abandoned in the desert. forces in Africa. In April, the mandate

6 7 The Sahara – EUrope’s new deadly external border

The law 2015/036

Photo by: Ifeatu Nnaobi The Sahara a cemetery From 2014 to 2015 around 250,000 people passed through Agadez to go further under the open sky North to Algeria or Libya, many of them probably having Europe Human rights violations caused by the new border regime as final destination in Ibrahim Manzo Diallo mind. As a consequence Migratory corridors Map by Andrea Picadaci, source AEI the Nigerien parliament Roads passed the law 2015- is a journalist based in Libya 036 which was meant northern Niger, Agadez. to protect migrants He is the founder of the from the abuse of media group Aïr Info, Algeria traffickers. But in reality, which publishes the this law, financed by the bi-monthly regional Aïr EU, is a huge obstacle Info in Agadez and Siguedine to migrants who see Damagaram. The press Assamaka themselves deprived group has a Radio in Arlit Djado of the right of free Agadez called Radio movement by Sahara FM. Ibrahim Mali control-posts and Joint EU and Niger military patrol: New EU vehicles (left) and Niger light pick-ups. (Photo: Christian Jakob) Manzo DIALLO is Agadez check-points. known for his daring Niger investigations in the The Republic of Niger is everybody’s become the main focus for EU The flow of migration field of security in the Chad Reaction darling as the government headed migration experts. While border Sahel, criminal 6 trafficking, corruption, Zinder by president Issoufou is doing its crossing of some ten thousand NiameyNiamey 1,O8O,000 and migration. He is the Maradi Diffa Dosso Entries (of these, 385,589 best to implement the EU policy to people are not a lot in the highly winner of several Agadez is were foreigners) awards both in Niger Burkina control the borders in a third country migratory West Africa with its 600 Faso becoming the EU and internationally. He Nigeria external border –while it is not even a neighboring million inhabitants, these numbers is also a founding At the borders country of the European Union. become evidence of a threat when member of Alarm Phone Sahara The Republic of Niger, earlier known being translated into graphics of by Ibrahim Manzo Diallo 7,688 Deported (at national as the most fragile African state IOM. And, these numbers become borders after controls inside NIger) because of food insecurity, has the basis for EU activities in Niger. Agadez was once a center direct consequence of the strict of commerce and transport. People measures taken by the Nigerien In the desert Old Migration Route SUDANESE traveling North passed through the authorities like the law 2015-036 on New Migration Rute HEADING TO city without any difficulties or visa human trafficking. This law passed 2,317 AGADEZ Libya Border Pressure restrictions. Today, Niger can be parliament on May 26 in 2015 and is Abandoned in the desert Algeria considered the virtual border of the used to stop drivers and to close the European Union. The EU has exter- so-called ghettos; this is how houses Libya Evacuations MIGRANT PUSH-BACKS & nalized its border to the Nigerien are called, which provide accommo- DEPORTATIONS Siguedine SUDANESE 913 Assamaka HEADING TO territory and Nigerien authorities dation to migrants. Djado AGADEZ Regugees flown to Arlit control migrants and refugees and Mali Niger from Libya 1.500 SUDANESE prevent them from traveling further Consequences of the law REFUGEES REFUGEES Source of Data: IOM FROM MALI Chad North. To do this, the Nigerien gover- 2015-036 Agadez Niger nment is receiving huge amounts of money from the EU. According to the All member states of the ECOWAS REFUGEES Zinder EVACUATED Niamey Maradi IOM, the numbers of migrants pas- (Economic Community of West Dosso Diffa FROM LIBIA sing through Niger fell from 5000 to African States) have agreed on free Burkina Nigeria 7000 persons per week in 2017 to movement and free circulation of Faso REFUGEES FROM 5000 persons per month in 2018. goods in the ECOWAS. In spite of the Map by Andrea Picadaci, source of Data: IOM BOKO HARAM The IOM itself states that this is a binding protocol of 1976 (!) Niger is

8 9

Today, people in Niger talk about the Sahara as an open sky cemetery. In contrast to the public attention on the Mediterranean, the deaths in the desert remain unknown and unnoti- ced by the European society. Under the pretext of security issues the access to the desert of Ténéré in the North of Niger is forbidden to any European and especially to the International media. Even if journali- sts arrive in Niger they cannot go North of the city of Agadez since it is considered a red zone by the French ministry of foreign affairs. So the blocking migrants and restricting reality, the drama happening in the trade and transport. Before 2015, desert every day, is hidden from the people and vehicles could easily public and continues unnoticed. circulate in Niger and also move to the neighboring countries Algeria and Libya. Under the new law over 100 vehicles have been confiscated and many drivers have been accu- sed of human trafficking. Some of them were found guilty and are still in prison. Furthermore, hosting or helping migrants in Agadez is under punishment now. This means that people who gave accommodation or shelter to migrants in transit now lost their source of income. Economical- ly, this is very difficult for the inhabi- tants of Agadez and many people have lost their major source of income. It is also impossible for them to work in Algeria or Libya now because they themselves cannot pass to the North since they are also seen as potential migrants to Europe. And, migrants and refugees cannot legally travel by public transport beyond Agadez. They are forced to take the much more dangerous irregular routes. The military is controlling water dwells which means that migrants passing throu- gh the desert cannot stop there anymore to refill their water bottles. Afraid of being arrested traffickers often abandon passengers in the middle of the desert as soon as they see any sign of a military control. In most cases this leads to the passen- gers’ death. The Sahara – EUrope’s new deadly external border Today, people in Niger talk about the are dying in the desert and in the they see in the desert: abandoned Sahara as an open sky cemetery. In Mediterranean. But Niger is also cars and the dried up bodies of contrast to the public attention on strongly engaged because of securi- migrants who died on their way the Mediterranean, the deaths in the ty. The traffickers bringing migrants through the Sahara. This work of desert remain unknown and unnoti- to Libya come back to Niger with documenting what is happening in ced by the European society. Under arms. This is a real security problem the desert is very important since the pretext of security issues the to Niger.” The active role of Niger in the media cannot access this area to access to the desert of Ténéré in the controlling migrants is rewarded report about what is really happe- North of Niger is forbidden to any financially by the EU. On the one ning there. With of the documented European and especially to the hand, development projects in the material, Alarm Phone Sahara writes International media. Even if journali- North of the country are financed reports and deposes them at the sts arrive in Niger they cannot go and on the other hand, Niger is Nigerien government, at several North of the city of Agadez since it is getting direct support to operate European embassies and internatio- considered a red zone by the French against irregular migration networks nal organizations in Niamey to make ministry of foreign affairs. So the of smugglers and other traffickers. the reality in the desert visible. At the blocking migrants and restricting Confiscated vehicles in Agadez. Photo: Christian Jakob reality, the drama happening in the Overall the European Union has same time, Alarm Phone Sahara is trade and transport. Before 2015, desert every day, is hidden from the promised to the government of Niger informing future migrants about the people and vehicles could easily public and continues unnoticed. Republic a package of measures dangers of the desert, not to block circulate in Niger and also move to worth three billion Euros for the them from traveling but to save their the neighboring countries Algeria Niger has become Europe’s project cycle until 2020. lives through simple advices like to and Libya. Under the new law over border patrol take enough water on the trip. Alarm 100 vehicles have been confiscated Strategies of resistance Since 2015, Niger is cooperating Phone Sahara also has a phone and many drivers have been accu- number that migrants can call when closely with the European Union to In the beginning of 2018 Alarm sed of human trafficking. Some of they are in distress in the desert. The stop the irregular migrants. Maha- Phone Sahara was founded and them were found guilty and are still in organization is collaborating with the madou Issoufou, President of Niger started its work of documenting the prison. Furthermore, hosting or mayors of many towns in the desert. Republic, justifies the fight against hidden truths of the desert. People helping migrants in Agadez is under They inform them about the migran- irregular migration: “The first reason from different North of punishment now. This means that ts’ call if the people are close to their is a moral one because as the Afri- Agadez were trained and received people who gave accommodation or towns so that the towns will then go can leader that I am, I find it unsup- telephones so that they could take shelter to migrants in transit now lost on rescue operations. their source of income. Economical- portable that thousands of Africans pictures and videos of the things that ly, this is very difficult for the inhabi- The Alarm Phone Sahara Office in Agadez, Source: Ibrahim Manzo Diallo tants of Agadez and many people have lost their major source of

income. It is also impossible for them Car with migrants stuck un the desert . Photo: Christian Jakob to work in Algeria or Libya now because they themselves cannot pass to the North since they are also seen as potential migrants to Europe. And, migrants and refugees cannot legally travel by public transport beyond Agadez. They are forced to take the much more dangerous irregular routes. The military is controlling water dwells which means that migrants passing throu- gh the desert cannot stop there anymore to refill their water bottles. Afraid of being arrested traffickers often abandon passengers in the middle of the desert as soon as they see any sign of a military control. In most cases this leads to the passen- gers’ death.

10 11 Europe reinforces the militarizatio of the region

The Sahara – EUrope’s new deadly external border through social media and telecommunication channels Euros could really help the African population. If we have how to arrive at the borders and to cross them. Today, 100,000 migrants in this zone, that means that we have people arriving in Agadez already now about the routes to 1400 € per person. Even with half of this money the Algeria or to Libya. They know that some of their people migrants would stay home, to work and make a lot of are for example in Gatroon. We can really say, that people progress. This would be useful for Africa but also for are more organized today. But, the access to other countries has become more difficult compared to when I With very positive and peaceful means first travelled. There are many border controls now and you will find the solutions. So it’s not the there are deportations and rejections at the borders. I Interview with Kumut Imesh, was shocked to see a Cameroonian who was deported by war against the migrants, it’s not about a Nigerien authorities. I was seriously upset to realize that militarization of the borders or to dissuade an African cannot move freely on its own continent. That the people. It’s nothing of all of that. film-maker of “Revenir – to return” is really a shame. Every time you enter or exit a city in Niger now, there are checkpoints to control the migrants. We need to search a positive solution. Earlier, to move freely on the continent, you only had to be by Andrea Stäritz African, to have an ID card from your country to cross Europe. Things have to change in order to allow circular borders, to move from city to city. The migrants could go migration. You need to permit Africans to come to Europe until Gatroon without difficulties, without the need of a to study whatever they want. We know that African Andrea Stäritz (borderline-europe): visa. And people from Niger could go to Algeria without university students can come to Europe to study there. In 2004 you fled from to Europe and more or problems because there was this silent agreement But what about those who are working as laborers? They less 10 years later you revisited your escape route to allowing people from Niger to work in Algeria and to cannot even come for a month to do an internship in shoot the film “Revenir”. What are the differences you return afterwards. Today, travelling has become very, Europe because it’s illegal. They also need a chance to experienced on the two trips? very difficult because of the reinforced borders. educate themselves. When I was living in Morocco for about five years, the Kumut Imesh: number of migrants officially recognized by the UNHCR Niger has turned its back to the freedom What really changed is that there are many women now was hardly 1000 people, maybe 700 or 800, out of 10,000 on the migration route, which is something that didn’t exist of movement and the freedom of living migrants in Morocco. That means about 9,000 people before. Back then it was men who were travelling, labor and working in the ECOWAS region. were considered as migrants coming for economical migrants. Now you can see many women, young women, reasons. If Europe would unblock funding and this funding and young mothers with their children on the migration The unemployment rate in Niger has increased because would reach the right receivers, I think we could reduce routes who are fleeing conflicts and wars in their coun- the people working for example in the transport sector migration instead of blocking migration. Migration is an tries of origin. They were living in neighboring countries cannot do their work like before because of the border opportunity; it’s a very favorable thing for Europe and for for some time and trying to integrate but with time pas- controls. To enter into Niger, even if you come from a African countries. So it’s even more than avoiding the sing they realized that it wasn’t possible to stay because member state of the ECOWAS, has become very difficult. deaths in the desert and in the sea, it is about how to act their children did not get a good education and they were It has become almost impossible to pass northwards of in a more humanitarian way instead of acting in a too not treated well. So these women took the decision to find Agadez. To continue your route beyond Agadez is very pragmatic way without thinking about the consequences. a better life for their children and to take the route to risky. In spite of free movement policy in the ECOWAS Europe. And that is really a shame. region you need a visa to pass through Agadez now, Andrea Stäritz: which was not necessary before. Niger has turned its Some people say, Europe is profiting from the dangers in And also in Niger many things changed. Niger is part of back to the freedom of movement and the freedom of the desert, of the threat to be killed or tortured. All these the ECOWAS and has to follow ECOWAS policies. The living and working in the ECOWAS region. Niger is one of threats are a good thing because it is protecting the European Union is financing Niger and imposing with the African countries with a very high number of migrants European borders. many agreements their border and migration control. who are supporting the national economy with their Today we see that Europe has externalized its borders to remittances. Almost a quarter of the population is wor- Kumut Imesh: Niger which is actually countering the ECOWAS agree- king abroad. The remittances exceed far the amount of Actually, what you need to understand is that there are ments [especially the freedom of movement in all the European Union. This is what call a miscalculation. always two options and you always have a choice. It’s not ECOWAS countries]. The migrants have huge difficulties They do not compare what the Nigerien diaspora tran- the torture or the difficulties on the way that will convince to travel in Niger and are afraid to be arrested. Apart from sfers to the funds the government is receiving from the migrants not to travel. For the migrants, it’s the search

Photo by: Kumut Imesh that, human trafficking has increased. People cannot Europe. So it’s not well thought through by the Nigerien for positive and peaceful solutions. If the EU would boot Ifeatu Nnaobi is the filmmaker of “Revenir – to return” in which move freely and they cannot go back to their countries of the job market in Niger, Ivory Coast and Ghana with 145 he is going back to the border of Ivory Coast where authorities. They have to reevaluate these agreements, he started his flight to Europe in 2004, trying to take origin either, they are kind of stuck and need professional they have to establish something positive for the popula- million Euros the migrants will fight for a place in a car to the same flight route one more time, but this time with help. Many bad things happen because of this. Another tion but also positive for the European Union. 145 million return back to their countries. You see, that’s like the a camera, documenting his experiences on the way. Kumut is currently living in France where he has big difference is how people get organized now. That is Euros are given to the Nigerien government to prevent and the sun that are fighting. The wind says “I want to take founded an association. kind of a positive aspect. People now communicate migration. And we know very well that these 145 million the clothes off this man” and he is blowing very strongly.

12 13 The man will hold his clothes tighter. The sun instead will Ibrahim Manzo Diallo: and dead people. And we even don’t have the means to just shine peacefully and the man will take of his clothes According to media reports, Libya has become an unfair bury them. We really would like to have a cemetery for by himself because he is sweating. With very positive and and unsafe place for migrants. Is that true? What is hap- them in the Gatroon area. peaceful means you will find the solutions. So it’s not the pening now in your region, in Gatroon, in the South of Libya? war against the migrants, it’s not about a militarization of Ibrahim Manzo Diallo: the borders or to dissuade the people. It’s nothing of all of Mohamed Mena: From your observations, do you think the Niger govern- that. We need to search a positive solution. Unfortunately, we hear about a lot of human rights’ viola- ment accepts to become the accomplice of the European tions against refugees, and also there are lots of violations Union and agrees to send all the African migrants back to Andrea Stäritz: against the Libyan citizen. Libya is not a stable state now, their countries? For a lot of people it is very difficult to talk about their Interview with Libya has lots of problems, lots of struggles for power, experiences in Niger. Is this caused by the trauma or arms are available in every place. Human rights violations Mohamed Mena: because of security reasons? are very common, and maybe the people who say that We have heard that there is an accord or pressure from Mohamed Mena, Libya is not safe and it’s difficult to live in, are right. the European Union to prevent Africans from crossing Kumut Imesh: inter-african frontiers. But, Niger is member of CEDEAO It was important for me to film the people or to record Gatroon Center Recently we have found a lot of or ECOWAS in English and there is the policy of free them because I wanted the people to talk for themselves. abandoned cars and dead bodies between movement in the ECOWAS region. Actually, I think that I didn’t want to talk for them. It’s clear that generally many Niger has broken the agreement as they have introduced people become victims for two reasons: Firstly, people of Human Rights Gatroon and Agadez. The drivers see a laws and check-points that prevent the movement of the are easily to be exploited because they do not have a lot of stranded and dead people. And we refugees, travellers and migrants beyond Agadez towards regular status in Niger. Secondly, people are pressured even don’t have the means to bury them. the North of Niger and towards us in Libya. UNHCR has not to talk. There are many police men who are false established a centre in Niger as a result of the request policemen and who play their power games. We really would like to have a cemetery and pressure of the European Union to settle and stop all the African refugees who want to demand asylum. There by Ibrahim Manzo Diallo for them in the Gatroon area. So we have to say that the migrants are are also detention centers established upon request and But this happens especially in some places in the North of by pressure of the European Union, to bring African the victims of many physical attacks, “We, migrants and citizens of Al Gatroon Libya. We are in the South of Libya, in Gatroon City, where refugees back to their countries. numerous exploitations, countless are living in peace – but we have to be hundreds of refugees from Niger and Chad and from frauds and horrible abuses. ashamed of our leaders who are filling other African countries live. We work and live together I am sorry, but we must be ashamed of since a long time. Migrants became part of the society our countries, of our leaders who are There are people who are not even part of the real police their pockets with money from the EU” and no one is disturbed by them or worried about them. that are profiting from this situation, wearing police costu- Some violations of their rights and crimes happen in filling their pockets with the European mes, blocking the streets for migrants, bringing them to a some of the neighbourhoods. But in general until now, we money and closing the borders in return. secret place to take their money pretending to be real didn’t cross the red line which means that state institu- policemen. tions have failed in general and there is chaos, we can find I think that this is an explicit and dangerous violation of Ibrahim Manzo Diallo: violations but it’s still under control. Some crimes against the human rights and the international conventions on People are facing big problems. Migrants coming from What is the Gatroon centre for human rights? the refugees take place but we cannot consider that Al freedom of movement and I think that the Niger govern- Burkina Faso, Nigeria or told me about many similar Gartroon is a dangerous area to live in. ment is part of it. Unfortunately, the governments in Niger incidents on their way. It’s really not easy. People lose a lot Mohamed Mena: and Libya or any other African country, they obtain of money. There are also false traffickers telling you that The Gatroon centre for human rights is an NGO and was Ibrahim Manzo Diallo: money from the European countries, and the latter put they can bring you to Italy, to Spain. They ask to be paid established in 2011 by some youth, mostly Tubou people. What’s your own vision to fight against the human rights’ pressure on them. These governments don’t care about on the spot, or parts of the fare. They are claiming to have We are a minority in Libya and discriminated against but violations in this area, in the dessert? human rights, they just take the money and do what the contacts in many European cities to collect the rest later. in Gatroon we form the majority. We in Libya were facing European Union or European countries request from The migrants believe it and give them 400 €, 600 €, the downfall of Ghadafi. The youth build the Centre to Mohamed Mena: them. I am sorry, but we must be ashamed of our coun- everything they have. So we have to say that the migrants help our brothers from other African countries arriving in Our vision is the respect of human rights, the freedom of tries, of our leaders who are filling their pockets with the are the victims of many physical attacks, numerous these times. Somehow, the Gatroon Human Rights Centre movement between the countries. The problems occur European money and closing the borders in return. exploitations, countless frauds and horrible abuses. is reflecting what is happening in Libya. As an NGO we are with the checkpoints; the limitations for cross-border working for the respect of human rights in general and transports. We are a small, very small foundation. We are Andrea Stäritz: especially for minority rights and migrant rights. Recently an NGO and we don’t have enough possibilities. We Photo by: Thank you very much for this interview, Kumut! we concentrate on migrant rights because we have lots depend on our partners in watching these violations and Amina Gharred Mohammed Mena is the chairman of Gatroon Center of Human Rights. of human rights’ violations against migrants and lots of documenting them. But we can suggest solutions to limit He presents himself as activist of human rights problems happening against our brothers. the unlawful activities in the desert. Recently we have especially in minority and migrants’ rights. In 2017/2018 he took part of an exchange program by found a lot of abandoned cars and dead bodies between IFA and worked as an intern in the borderline-europe Gatroon and Agadez. The drivers see a lot of stranded office in Berlin.

14 15 The Sahara – EUrope’s new deadly external border

Bruno Watara Acknowledgements

Photo by: is a long-time activist is a Ifeatu Nnaobi Thanks to all the people that long-time activist fiercely are documenting, informing The root causes of critizising the German asylum Preface: and publishing on the system. Today he is fighting situation at the externalized against the European border EU borders. Continue your regime with “Initiative gegen very important work! migration are based on das EU- Grenzregime” in Berlin. We are also thanking Bildungswerk Berlin der Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung for the unfair deals between cooperation and their support through which we by Andrea Stäritz & Julia Stier were able to organize the conferences on the Externali- Europe and Africa zation of the EU border Countering Currently, the general media discourse on migration through the regime on the African desert is depicting migrants as victims of traffickers or as naïve illite- continent in 2017 and 2018. the Media rates. Anti-trafficking agencies are talking about 40 million victims of Discourse trafficking and at the same time the criminalisation of migration is About Us going on. The IOM’s campaign, in the aftermath of the “discovery” of

by Bruno Watara slave trade in Libya, and its so-called voluntary return program has given the business of deportation a positive reputation and a humani- At present, we are facing a new on a level playing field, as a balanced country that is known for its human tarian face. From Berlin to Niamey there is a consensus that migrants historical era and witnessing a huge partnership of equals. Power hierar- rights violations! In Eritrea, media should return to their home countries. At the same time, critical repor- crime against humanity. Europe with chies forced African States to sign report, government officials are ts of the militarization of border control are rare and the business of borderline-europe – technical solutions for border control is underreported in the Europe- Menschenrechte its long brutal agreements that are not attractive involved in trafficking. However, ohne Grenzen e.V. and human rights violations is once and promising or giving the popula- European Union does not care. The an and German media. Huge investments into border security are not tion a chance to prosper. European Union also does not care worth an article. The data collection of travellers, migrants and refuge- Gneisenaustr. 2a, 10961 again showing its real face. Who Berlin wants to tell us that Europe didn’t about people dying in the Mediterra- es by Identity Providers (IdP) and also by humanitarian organisations Phone: see these mass escapes and migra- The agreements concerning migra- nean. Instead, the EU tries to make it is happening unnoticed or, at least, with the silent agreement that data +49 (0)176 420 276 55 E-Mail: tion movements coming? Hunger tion and border controls signed more and more difficult for an Afri- privacy is not an issue for people on the run. [email protected] and poor economical perspectives in today, like the Rabat, Valetta or can to come to Europe and using the countries of origin are the Khartoum Process, are a continua- FRONTEX, their external border reasons for labor migration. And tion of this process. African leaders control agency. Consequently what about the change and are signing agreements with Europe- people seeking for a better life can people fleeing for this reason? Who an States or the European Union that only take the way crossing the desert is responsible for this climate are not good for their populations. and the sea. Private Sea Rescue First steps are made for creating an Alarm Phone Sahara Network to Bildungswerk Berlin der change? Definitely not the people Often the money received for migra- Operations try to safe lives in the Solidarity Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung e.V.. support migrants and refugees in distress in the desert. In the Medi- who are on the run. We need to take tion control ends up in the pockets of Mediterranean. They are criminali- with Migrants terranean many NGOs are already active in the rescue of people in Sebastianstr. 21, 10179 Berlin a closer look at the history of Europe the presidents. The population zed and arrested. Travelers by ship Phone: in Transition distress but they are confronted with a growing criminalization of their and Africa. Colonization started with neither knows which agreements are pushed back to the African +49 (0)30 308 779 480 work. Any kind of support is important for these organizations that E-Mail: unfair deals. Even before the inde- have been signed nor is informed coast. Let them die in the desert – [email protected] saving human lives and that are at the same documenting the conse- pendence of most African states, about the consequences. Europe is where the European public does not quences of the EU border and migration politics. agreements with the former coloni- putting a lot of pressure on the see them! This makes the EU directly zing European states had been African States to sign these agree- responsible for the deaths at its signed. As examples we can quote ments. And, at the same time, external borders and beyond. This is the agreements of Jaundé, Lomé I, II, Europe is not ashamed to sign agre- what we simply call: MURDER. This publication was realized with funds of III, IV or Benin. These agreements ements with dictators to stop migra- Stiftung Deutsche were designed to continue the tion. Just have a look who is going to Stay informed about the EU Klassenlotterie Berlin. European exploitation of Africa. take the lead of the Khartoum These agreements were not signed process from 2019 on? Eritrea, a border and migration politics!

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