In Sierra Leone, the realities faced by returned migrants can be harrowing. The BBC program The Assignment sheds light on the powerful stories of Fatmata Bangura, Alimamy Kargbo, and Jemilatu Sheriff, who pursued a dream of reaching Europe but endured unimaginable suffering before returning home.
Fatmata’s Ordeal: At 28, she faced repeated sexual abuse, torture, and imprisonment in Libya. Her escape attempts were thwarted, leading to jail time where she met Jemilatu, a young woman of 21 from Algeria, also imprisoned after a failed attempt to migrate.
Jemilatu’s Story: Desperation drove her to steal $3,500 from her mother—money intended for a business endeavor. The repercussions of her choices lingered, with strained family ties and a heavy burden of guilt.
Alimamy’s Loss: The 31-year-old endured trauma in Libya and grieved the death of a friend on the perilous sea journey. Returning home, he faced hostility from his uncle after stealing a water packaging machine to fund his escape.
Back home, these returnees met angry, disappointed families and struggled to reclaim normalcy. The Advocacy Network Against Irregular Migration (ANAIM) plays a crucial role in their recovery, offering psychosocial support and regularly visiting mental health facilities to aid reintegration.
Their stories highlight the enduring challenges of stigma, family tensions, and reintegration for migrants returning to Sierra Leone, underlining the essential work of organizations like ANAIM in rebuilding hope and fostering community support.
For more on the story:
BBC. (n.d.). A sound of change: The fight against irregular migration. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3csy5df
‘We failed to reach Europe – now our families disown us’ – BBC News
