In Rosso, Senegal, deported migrants from Mauritania, including Ismaila Bangoura and Idrissa Camara, recount harrowing experiences of police violence and subsequent detention without basic provisions. The Mauritanian government has intensified deportations of undocumented migrants, sparking condemnation from NGOs and regional authorities. As suffering individuals linger in Rosso, they confront hunger and instability, calling attention to the urgent need for humanitarian aid and rights protections.

In Rosso, Senegal, Ismaila Bangoura, a 25-year-old Guinean carpenter, recalls the traumatic night when Mauritanian police raided his shared residence in Nouakchott. He and his fellow countrymen faced assault and subsequent detention, where they endured three days without food or bathroom access before being forcibly transported to the Senegalese border on March 7.

Now stranded in Rosso without resources or connections, Bangoura describes their ordeal: “They beat us and stuck us in jail without telling us why.” During the detainment, their possessions, including money and personal devices, were confiscated, fueling distress as the migrants were deported with only scant clothing.

In recent weeks, Mauritania has intensified deportations of migrants primarily from West African nations, including Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Guinea. This surge in removals has incited widespread indignation across the region, raising concerns regarding the treatment of migrants seeking opportunities in a country often serving as a launching point for those attempting to reach Europe by sea.

The Mauritanian government insists that these deportations, described as “routine,” are aimed at undocumented individuals. Officials have not disclosed the number of those expelled, but Interior Minister Mohammed Ahmed Ould Mohammed Lemine maintains that all deported foreigners had been illegally residing in Mauritania and that the measures comply with international norms.

Despite government statements, NGOs have condemned the actions as inhumane, while the Senegalese government has expressed outrage regarding the treatment of its citizens involved. Nearby, approximately 30 migrants occupy a dilapidated structure close to the Rosso border, where they struggle for shelter and sustenance.

Abibou, a young migrant, remarked, “You have to get in there quickly if you want to secure a place to sleep at night.” Resources are scarce, and many find themselves outside, with some fortunate enough to receive assistance from the Red Cross, although there is now an overwhelming influx of individuals.

Mbaye Diop, head of the local Red Cross branch, explains that many arriving migrants are “exhausted” and in dire need of basic necessities, psychological support, and food. Amid the cacophony, migrants express deep hunger and fatigue. Ramatoulaye Camara, who was forcibly deported in March, recalls the physical and emotional suffering endured, including the loss of her belongings amidst pregnancy.

Idrissa Camara, 33, also faced deportation and now roams Rosso in dirty work attire. He wishes to return to Nouakchott to resume his carpentry job and sustain his family, stating, “All I want is to be able to work and provide for my family. I haven’t harmed anyone.” These narratives highlight the plight faced by migrants subjected to upheaval, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian response and systemic reform.

The deportations of migrants from Mauritania have resulted in significant distress, with individuals recounting experiences of violence and deprivation. As they navigate their uncertain futures in Rosso, the challenges they face are compounded by inadequate support systems and a lack of resources. The international community and regional governments must address these urgent humanitarian concerns to protect the rights and well-being of these vulnerable populations.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com

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