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US Ambassador
Reuben Brigety says 'it is critical for migrants receiving
countries to ensure they are screened appropriately upon arrival and those who have
legitimate asylum claims be given an opportunity to present those claims' (Photo: MSJoof/TNBES)
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In recent years, hundreds of thousands of African
migrants have risked their lives crossing dangerous deserts in
conflict-affected countries and deadly seas in search of better economic
conditions – ‘greener pastures.’
Reuben Brigety said “it is vital to
address conditions here at home in Africa so that young people and young
families see a future for themselves in Africa - so that they don’t have to
risk their lives for some sort of uncertain ‘better future’ abroad – so that
they can make their future for themselves and for their continent here in
Africa.”
He said the issue of irregular migration is clearly
a critically important one for Africa and for those countries receiving
irregular migrants from the continent.
Long
term proposition
Mr. Brigety is in Banjul as part of
US-AU ties to strengthen human rights on the continent based on a pillar of
democracy and good governance.
He told a press conference at the
American Corner on Kairaba Avenue on May 8 that creating a better future for
Africans in Africa would require a long term plan.
“That is clearly a long term proposition but it is
one that requires increases in economic development,” he said. “It requires
choices by African governments to make investment attractive for the continent
and also strengthen and improve governance so that people do not feel that they
have to risk their lives in order to live a life of dignity.”
Irregular migration challenges in the US occur via
its southern border with Mexico. The country has comparatively few irregular
migrants virtually not from Africa arriving by sea unlike the large numbers
that are crossing the Mediterranean into Europe.
Birgety said the US will work with AU and member
countries to strengthen good governance, economic growth, peace and security
and opportunity and development so that people can realize their future in
Africa.
Speak
for themselves
While the AU has been quiet about the upsurge in
African migrants crossing the Mediterranean, many of whom died in boat
accidents, over the years - the European Union has been making plans to tackle
the problem.
Brigety said: “We know from our European colleagues
as well as AU colleagues that it is an issue of great concern between the AU
and Europeans – and it is probably best for me to allow both sides of that
debate to ‘speak in detail for themselves’.
“What I can say as a concerned representative, a
concerned observer is that there are multiple parts to this problem.”
But he said it is critical for migrants receiving
countries [like Italy] to continue treating these migrants with humanity. “To
do all that is in their capability to provide them with assistance over high
seas and ensure they are screened appropriately upon arrival and those who have
legitimate asylum claims be given an opportunity to present those claims.”
“It is also
critical for both the EU and the AU to address the criminal smuggling networks
that are profiting from providing unsafe transport for these people across the
Mediterranean mostly, but also to some extent across the Golf of Eden,” Brigety
said.
Support
for Africa
“We want to provide support for African
nations who strive to guarantee the universal values of human rights, good
governance and rule of law,” he added. “The US has human rights and the
advancement of human rights at the centre of its foreign policy.”
He said the US faces tough choices and challenges in
advancing human rights abroad and to continue advancing them at home.
Written by Modou S. Joof
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