Title: Contested figures: Ivorian nationals among migrants in Lampedusa
Introduction :
Since September, the Italian island of Lampedusa has been the arrival point for thousands of migrants, including a significant proportion of Ivorian nationals, according to several international and European organizations. However, the Ivorian Minister of Interior and Security, Vagondo Diomandé, disputes these figures and says that the accusations are based solely on the declarations of irregular migrants registered by Italian immigration services. In this article, we will examine the different positions and the figures put forward, while trying to sort out fact from fiction.
The disputed figures:
According to the European border and coast guard agency Frontex, as well as the International Organization for Migration, Ivory Coast would be the second country of departure for irregular migrants to Europe. These figures are based on the declarations of migrants registered by the Italian authorities. However, the Ivorian minister disputes these figures, arguing that no verification was made in collaboration with the competent services of Côte d’Ivoire to confirm the Ivorian nationality of these migrants, in accordance with bilateral agreements concluded with the European Union. and Italy.
The minister’s rebuttal:
Vagondo Diomandé affirms that these allegations tarnish the image of Côte d’Ivoire and rejects accusations according to which Ivorian nationals are strongly represented among the migrants in Lampedusa. He denounces the fact that the figures are based solely on the declarations of irregular migrants without any formal verification of their nationality. The minister underlines the importance of collaboration between Ivory Coast and Italy to carry out the necessary verifications and ensure the authenticity of the nationality of migrants.
The human dimension:
Beyond the disputed figures, it is essential to highlight the distress and difficulties that migrants face during their journey. The Mediterranean crossing remains one of the most dangerous in the world, with more than 2,500 migrants dead or missing since the start of the year. Refugees and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa risk their lives and are exposed to human rights violations along their journey.
Conclusion :
The figures concerning the presence of Ivorian nationals among the migrants arriving in Lampedusa are strongly contested by the Ivorian Minister of the Interior and Security. He refutes the declarations of irregular migrants registered by the Italian authorities, stressing the need for formal verification of their nationality in collaboration with Ivory Coast. Beyond this controversy, it is important not to lose sight of the distress and risks that migrants face when attempting to cross the Mediterranean.