Press-Declaration of the network Afrique-Europe-Interact:
Against the massive death at the external frontiers of Europe
Demonstration and manifestation in front of the Frontex-Office in Dakar – at the street and on the ocean
Start: 10th february 2011, 10 am
Place: Poste de la Medina, Dakar
With a big demonstration defining itself as part of the World Social Forum 2011 we criticize the construction of a Fortress Europe against the African people. Therefore we demonstrate in front of the Frontex-office in Dakar accompanied by an action of activists of the „Forum Permanent des Acteurs de la Peche Artisanale en Afrique“ and the „Association des jeunes repatries de Thiaroye sur mer“ on the ocean.
The EU-Borderagency Frontex is responsible for the death of thousands of migrants, who started their journey from Africa to Europe searching for a better life. Frontex patrols on behalf of the European Union using equipment provided by EU-memberstates (helicopters, boats, vehicles etc.) at the external borders to keep refugees and migrants away.
Since „regular“ border control was not enough, the European Union extended its activities supported by Frontex to northern African countries, also to Mauretania and Senegal. In the framework of the Frontex-Mission Hera EU borderguards patrol in cooperation with western African borderguards in the coastal waters of Senegal and Mauretania. Pirogues are forced to turn back on the open sea. With these practices international law – also the Geneva Convention - is violated.
Since many Africans are denied a life in dignity as a result of an unfair economic system and tailored exploitation by western states, the EU and its Borderagency Frontex hinders those looking for a better future to reach their aims.
Since 1993 at least 14.000 people lost their lives at the European external borders.
The network Afrique-Europe-Interact, that is composed of about 20 mainly African organisations and initiatives, promotes the freedom of movement and just development.
For the right to go – and to stay!
Contact: 00223-70867836
www.afrique-europe-interact.net