Connect with us

Interviews

How I minister to Nigerian migrants, others imprisoned in UK – Chaplain  Ogwuche

Published

2 years ago

on

Kindly share this article

National Director for Chaplaincy (England and Wales) for the New Testament Church of God and an Ordained Minister who  also serves on the Steering Committee of the Free Churches Group, overseeing Free Church Chaplains in Her Majesty’s Prisons across England and Wales, Reverend Michael Angley Ogwuche, in this  interview with voiceforafricanmigrants.org speaks about his work as a prison chaplain and how he ministers to Nigerian migrants, and  other people  imprisoned in the UK.  Excerpts:

Tell us about yourself

My name is Reverend Michael Angley Ogwuche, and I was born in Abakpa, Kaduna, Nigeria, though both of my parents come from Benue State. My early education was a challenging journey due to dyslexia, a neurodiverse condition that affects one’s ability to process written information. In some parts of the world, it is classified as a learning disability, and growing up with this condition certainly posed its own set of obstacles.

My upbringing was shaped by both of my parents, who embodied resilience and hard work. My father served in the Nigerian Army, specifically in the Supply and Transport Unit, and also worked as a personal cook for a colonial district officer in the Idoma division following his service in Burma under the British Army. My mother, although not formally educated, was a pillar of strength within our family. She ensured we had the basics, even amid financial challenges, and her memory continues to be a source of inspiration to me.

In terms of higher education, I have been fortunate to study at esteemed theological institutions in the United Kingdom. I hold certificates in Biblical and Evangelistic Studies from Cliff College, affiliated with the University of Sheffield, and a Certificate in Theology from the University of Manchester. I went on to earn a BA (Hons) in Theology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (Global Mission and Culture) from the same institution. Most recently, I completed a Master of Arts in Chaplaincy from the University of Durham.

Were you born with a silver spoon or a wooden one?

Reflecting on my journey, I can say with confidence that I was not born with any privileges, but my path has been one of faith, determination, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.

What were you doing before you left Nigeria?

Before leaving Nigeria, I was deeply involved in ministry and education. Following my time at the United Pentecostal School of Theology, I served as a Street Evangelist and was later appointed Director of Bible Correspondence for the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, an American mission. In this role, I oversaw the recruitment and administration of the Bible Correspondence Course programme, which played a key part in spreading the gospel and educating individuals across Nigeria.

From 1993 to 1996, I worked as Registrar at the Christian Leadership College in Lagos. My responsibilities included managing academic records, overseeing admissions, and ensuring the smooth operation of the college’s programmes. These roles provided invaluable experience in leadership, education, and evangelism, equipping me for the missionary work that followed.

At what point did you leave the country and why did you?

In 1996, I relocated to The Gambia after numerous missionary visits to Ghana, the Ivory Coast, and Senegal. Nigeria at the time was relatively stable, and my move was driven not by economic factors but by a call to serve humanity through God’s work. Since then, I have travelled extensively, volunteering for various causes around the globe, often at my own expense.

What was the experience like when you changed environment; smooth, tough and why?

Transitioning to life in the UK came with its challenges, including cultural adjustments and returning to formal education. Studying theology and chaplaincy in British institutions has deepened my understanding and enabled me to serve in various roles, including as a Hospital Chaplain, Maritime Cadet Chaplain, and Prison Chaplain. Additionally, I served as a Presbyter for the Methodist Church of Britain.

Today, I am the National Director for Chaplaincy (England and Wales) for the New Testament Church of God and an Ordained Minister. I also serve on the Steering Committee of the Free Churches Group, overseeing Free Church Chaplains in Her Majesty’s Prisons across England and Wales.

You are a  prison chaplain. What made you to choose this path?

My journey to prison chaplaincy has been anything but straightforward. After two formative years at Bible College, I found myself serving in various areas of ministry. Street evangelism, in particular, ignited my passion for outreach, while leading a Bible correspondence course honed my communication skills. These early experiences, combined with my time as an associate pastor and circuit minister, provided invaluable insights into pastoral care. Thirteen years ago, I felt the call to chaplaincy, first serving in hospitals and as a Maritime Cadet chaplain before finding my place as a prison chaplain.

My strong commitment to prison chaplaincy stems from my deeply held belief in justice and compassion, values central to my Christian faith. I am convinced that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, should have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of mercy and renewal. For me, this role is about more than providing spiritual guidance; it is about offering hope to those who are often forgotten by society.

What is your experience working with prisoners?

As a prison chaplain, I have the privilege of living out this belief every day. My role allows me to stand alongside people who are frequently marginalised, offering them encouragement, hope, and guidance on their journey. Working within the challenging environment of a prison is immensely fulfilling. It is here, behind the walls, that I have witnessed the raw struggles of human nature, as well as the immense potential for transformation that exists in every individual. My faith compels me to see beyond the labels and offences, to the person behind them—someone who needs guidance, understanding, and the chance for a new beginning.

My motivation for this work is also deeply personal. I am driven by the stories of redemption and change I have been privileged to witness—those moments when light breaks through the darkness, and lives are truly transformed. With the right support and spiritual nurturing, I have seen people rebuild their lives in ways they never thought possible. My calling to serve as a prison chaplain is far more than a professional career; it is a mission to extend Christ’s love and compassion to those who are often overlooked. Through my work, I strive to create an environment where hope can flourish, and the possibility of new beginnings can take root.

In terms of professional standards, it is important to note that becoming a Christian chaplain in the UK prison system involves meeting rigorous requirements. Alongside the necessary theological education, Christian chaplains must be either Anglican priests or deacons, Catholic priests or laypersons, or ministers from other denominations recognised under the Free Church Groups. These chaplains are trained and accredited faith practitioners within their own religious communities, and they are held accountable by their respective Christian denominations.

My commitment to providing holistic, faith-based care within the prison system remains steadfast. This role allows me to offer a sense of hope and spiritual renewal to those who need it most, helping them navigate their personal journeys towards transformation. It is a calling that I embrace with both humility and conviction, trusting in the power of faith to inspire real, meaningful change in the lives of those I serve.

Former Nigerian deputy senate president Ike Ekweremadu and his wife are in prison in the UK. Have you by any means met them and how are they doing?

As a Nigerian-British citizen and someone deeply involved in the UK justice system, I am well aware of the case and convictions of Deputy Senate President Ekweremadu and his wife. Their situation has captured the attention of many Nigerians living in the United Kingdom. My vested interest in the welfare of Nigerians in foreign prisons is not just professional but also personal. As the founder of the Nigerian Overseas Prisoners Support Initiative (NOPSI), I am committed to supporting Nigerians who find themselves incarcerated abroad.

While I have not had the opportunity to meet the Ekweremadus personally, my role as His Majesty’s Prison Chaplain has allowed me to inquire about their welfare through colleagues in chaplaincy who serve at their establishment. I am kept informed of their respective locations, but due to confidentiality, I am unable to disclose this information publicly.

At present, NOPSI has formally requested a visit to the Ekweremadus, as part of our commitment to offering support to fellow Nigerians. However, because I work closely with the Ministry of Justice, I must undergo the necessary security clearances to ensure there is no conflict of interest. Our purpose in visiting them is to provide encouragement and to remind them that, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their imprisonment, we are here for them as compatriots, offering support and hope in difficult times.

Aside  Ekweremadu are there other high profile Nigerians in the prisons in the UK?

There are indeed other Nigerians, including pastors, currently serving sentences in UK prisons. However, I am not in a position to reveal their names or identities due to their right to privacy. These individuals have been convicted of a range of offences, from fraud and drug-related crimes to sexual offences and even murder.

While it may be surprising to hear of religious leaders finding themselves in such circumstances, it is essential to remember that they are human too, capable of making mistakes or poor decisions. Additionally, some of the offences for which these individuals are imprisoned might have had different outcomes had they occurred in Nigeria, where the legal system operates differently.

The UK is renowned for its strict adherence to law and order, and it does not make exceptions for one’s status or position. As the saying goes, “if you do the crime, you must be prepared to do the time,” which rings especially true in the British judicial system. It’s a stark reminder that justice here is impartial, and everyone is held accountable, regardless of their role in society.

Aside from the UK, do you also  work with prisoners in other countries?

I have recently returned from Hong Kong, where I was working to establish NOPSI’s Asia Regional Office. This office will allow us to extend our support to Nigerian prisoners across the region, including in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and other locations. In November, I will be travelling to The Gambia to set up a similar office in West Africa.

Once we are fully operational, I believe we will be able to expand our efforts to other regions as well. However, this is not a task we can accomplish on our own. The success of our mission will require the support and collaboration of the Nigerian diplomatic missions, particularly through the Diaspora Commission. Their backing is crucial as we strive to provide assistance and advocacy for Nigerians incarcerated abroad.

How are you working it out, I mean serving as prison chaplain in the UK and also extending your ministry to other parts of the world?

As I mentioned earlier, while I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a prison chaplain, it can be a challenging role, particularly when navigating the complexities of the system. One of the main difficulties arises from potential conflicts of interest between my duties as a chaplain within Her Majesty’s Prisons and any external activities I undertake, especially in relation to Nigerian prisoners.

Security concerns mean that I must be cautious and mindful of my responsibilities, ensuring that my work outside the prison does not interfere with or compromise my role within the establishment. As such, I have to approach my support for Nigerian prisoners with great care, balancing my commitment to them with the need to uphold the security protocols and professional standards required in my position.

Any plans to do similar thing in Nigeria?

At present, there are no plans to establish a similar initiative in Nigeria, as the country is still evolving in its approach to justice. For example, I am not aware of any statutory prison chaplaincy in Nigeria, unlike the system we have here in the UK and across much of the Western world.

In the UK, the Prison Act of 1952 mandates that “every prison shall have a governor, a chaplain, and a medical officer, and such other officers as may be necessary.” This legislation laid the foundation for chaplaincy to be formally recognised and remunerated by the Ministry of Justice, enabling chaplains to perform statutory duties in addition to their primary roles in providing spiritual, pastoral, and religious care.

This statutory recognition and support for chaplaincy in the UK creates a structured environment in which chaplains can effectively fulfil their roles within the prison system. Until a similar framework is established in Nigeria, implementing such initiatives will remain a challenge.

Which government agencies would you be working with in Nigeria to actualise your dreams?

I believe there are approximately four key agencies in Nigeria that NOPSI is particularly interested in collaborating with. These include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and, where possible, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

Partnering with these organisations would be instrumental in achieving our goals, as they each play a vital role in the administration of justice and the welfare of Nigerians abroad. By working together, we can strengthen support systems for Nigerians incarcerated overseas and ensure they receive the assistance they need throughout their time in prison and beyond.

What is your opinion about prisons in Nigeria and how can the situations be made better?

The Nigerian Prison Service, now rebranded as the Nigerian Correctional Service, has long struggled with negative public perception. A simple change of name does not necessarily reflect a change in character. However, the issue goes beyond the Nigerian Correctional Service itself; it is part of a larger systemic problem that affects both the public and private sectors of Nigerian society. Until Nigerians fully understand the responsibilities of citizenship on a micro level, these problems will persist, as those working in these sectors are, after all, also Nigerians.

This brings to mind Fyodor Dostoevsky’s observation: “The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons.” For example, the average cost of housing a prisoner in the United Kingdom is between £44,000 and £54,500 per year, while in Norway it is around £102,000. In stark contrast, Nigeria spends less than $300 per prisoner annually. This stark difference highlights the value placed on those in correctional facilities.

A clinical psychologist and prison governor in Norway once explained to The Guardian why Norwegian prisoners are treated with dignity: “The punishment is that you lose your freedom. If we treat people like animals when they are in prison, they are likely to behave like animals. Here, we pay attention to you as human beings.” The situation in Nigeria’s correctional system can improve, but only if both Nigerians and the Nigerian government begin to place real value on their citizens. Until this shift happens, meaningful reform remains unlikely.

Which experience in your work as a prison chaplain made you emotional, I mean moved you to tears or unforgettable to you till date?

Every time I walk down the wings to visit the men, I am acutely aware that I could have been one of them. This thought resonates deeply with me, but what strikes me even more is the disproportionate number of young Black men within the prison system. I often see my younger self reflected in these individuals. However, as a chaplain, I look beyond their crimes and see them as men in need of compassion and support. This is why I have dedicated the rest of my life to walking alongside those who find themselves imprisoned around the world.

I hope that those of us outside the prison walls will have a change of heart and spare some thought for those on the inside. There are Nigerians in prisons in countries such as Malaysia and Singapore who will never return to Nigerian soil, having been convicted and sentenced to death. It is essential for the Nigerian government to remember that, despite their circumstances, these individuals remain Nigerians. Ultimately, we are all imprisoned in some way—it’s just a matter of degree.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Interviews

Le Jamboree et le Fonds du réexode : une promesse échouée de réintégration des migrants de retour

Published

3 hours ago

on

September 15, 2026

By

Kindly share this article

Par Victor Aihawu, Directeur, Platform for Cooperation on Mixed Migration (PCMM)

Depuis des années, le Fonds d’aide à la réintégration des migrants de retour est présenté comme un filet de sécurité essentiel pour ceux qui retournent dans leur pays d’origine. Il est conçu pour aider les migrants de retour à reconstruire leur vie, à créer des entreprises, à poursuivre leurs études et à se réintégrer dans leurs communautés. Cependant, la réalité sur le terrain est souvent bien différente, laissant de nombreux migrants de retour désillusionnés et sans soutien. Au lieu de favoriser un retour durable, le fonds n’a souvent pas atteint les objectifs qui lui étaient assignés, certains bénéficiaires utilisant les fonds pour réémigrer, tandis que d’autres les gèrent mal en raison d’un accompagnement insuffisant.

Une promesse mal gérée : des opportunités gaspillées et des rêves brisés

L’un des problèmes les plus criants du Fonds d’aide à la réintégration réside dans l’absence d’un contrôle adéquat et d’une gestion professionnelle. De nombreux migrants de retour, contraints de relever seuls des défis complexes liés à leur réintégration, finissent par utiliser à mauvais escient les fonds qu’ils reçoivent. Sans une compréhension claire de la manière d’allouer efficacement les ressources ou de développer des sources de revenus durables, ils se retrouvent souvent confrontés à des difficultés financières peu après avoir reçu les fonds.

Cette situation a contribué à créer un cycle de « réexode », dans lequel des migrants de retour, incapables de subvenir durablement à leurs besoins dans leur pays d’origine, sont poussés à réémigrer à la recherche de meilleures opportunités.

Les véritables causes de l’échec : inexpérience et absence de soutien durable

L’échec du fonds ne s’explique pas uniquement par la mauvaise gestion des bénéficiaires, mais également par le manque de compétence de ceux qui supervisent les programmes. De nombreux responsables des programmes destinés aux migrants de retour ne disposent ni de l’expérience requise ni des compétences spécialisées nécessaires pour gérer des initiatives de réintégration durables.

Le fait d’évoluer depuis plusieurs années dans ce secteur ne signifie pas nécessairement que l’on possède une véritable expertise. Une réintégration efficace exige une connaissance approfondie des meilleures pratiques en matière de développement, un accompagnement personnalisé et un engagement en faveur de résultats à long terme.

Une réintégration professionnelle devrait comprendre un système global de soutien adapté aux besoins individuels des migrants de retour. Cela implique de répondre aux besoins immédiats tels que le logement, les soins de santé et l’accompagnement psychologique lié aux traumatismes, tout en offrant une formation professionnelle, un accès à des programmes d’éducation financière, un mentorat entrepreneurial et un accompagnement à long terme.

La réintégration durable ne devrait pas se limiter à une aide financière à court terme. Elle devrait également permettre de renforcer les capacités, de développer la résilience et de favoriser l’acceptation des migrants de retour par les communautés locales.

Tirer les leçons des meilleures pratiques : une approche globale de la réintégration

Les programmes de réintégration réussis dans d’autres régions du monde offrent des enseignements précieux susceptibles de contribuer à la refonte du Fonds d’aide à la réintégration. Les meilleures pratiques montrent qu’une réintégration efficace nécessite une approche multidimensionnelle qui prenne en compte non seulement les besoins économiques, mais aussi les facteurs sociaux et psychologiques.

Parmi les principaux éléments figurent :

1. Des plans de réintégration individualisés :
Adapter l’accompagnement aux besoins, aux compétences et aux aspirations propres à chaque migrant de retour est essentiel. Cela suppose de procéder à des évaluations approfondies afin de comprendre son parcours, ses difficultés et ses objectifs avant de débloquer les fonds.

2. Une formation à la gestion financière :
Les migrants de retour devraient bénéficier d’une formation financière de base afin de comprendre comment gérer leurs ressources, réaliser des investissements judicieux et développer une culture de l’épargne. Leur apprendre à établir un budget, à gérer leurs dettes et à épargner pourrait contribuer à éviter le gaspillage des fonds.

3. Un mentorat entrepreneurial et un développement des compétences :
Un accompagnement entrepreneurial continu peut considérablement améliorer les chances de réussite des migrants de retour qui souhaitent créer une entreprise. Les programmes proposant une formation pratique, un mentorat et un coaching en développement d’entreprise, associés à un accès à des microcrédits, peuvent aider les bénéficiaires à créer des moyens de subsistance durables.

4. Un suivi et un accompagnement à long terme :
La réintégration est un processus et non une intervention ponctuelle. Un suivi et un accompagnement continus sont indispensables pour permettre aux migrants de retour de surmonter les difficultés, de s’adapter aux changements de situation et de progresser vers la stabilité. Le suivi devrait porter à la fois sur le développement personnel et sur la viabilité des activités financées.

5. La participation et l’acceptation de la communauté :
Une réintégration efficace ne concerne pas uniquement l’individu : elle implique également la communauté. Des efforts devraient être déployés pour sensibiliser les communautés locales et les associer au processus afin qu’elles soutiennent les migrants de retour. Il s’agit notamment d’informer les membres de la communauté sur les avantages de la réintégration et de favoriser un sentiment de responsabilité collective quant à la réussite des bénéficiaires.

6. Des partenariats solides avec les acteurs locaux :
La collaboration avec les collectivités locales, les ONG, les centres de formation professionnelle et les entreprises peut offrir aux migrants de retour un réseau de soutien plus large. Elle peut également faciliter leur accès aux possibilités d’emploi, aux formations professionnelles et aux ressources locales indispensables à une réintégration durable.

Combler le fossé : vers des politiques de réintégration efficaces

Le fossé entre les promesses politiques et les réalités du terrain a porté atteinte à la crédibilité du Fonds d’aide à la réintégration. Les migrants de retour ont souvent le sentiment d’avoir été trahis par une initiative qui devait leur offrir un nouveau départ, mais qui s’est finalement transformée en un cycle d’attentes déçues.

Pour aller de l’avant, il est nécessaire de renouveler l’attention portée à la conception de programmes privilégiant des solutions centrées sur l’être humain, le développement durable et une véritable expertise.

Les décideurs politiques et les responsables de programmes devraient investir dans la formation des agents chargés de la réintégration, améliorer les modules d’éducation financière destinés aux migrants de retour et mettre en place des systèmes de suivi plus solides permettant d’évaluer les résultats.

La réintégration doit être considérée comme un engagement à long terme plutôt que comme une solution rapide. L’accent doit être mis sur le développement des compétences, la création de véritables possibilités d’emploi et le soutien à l’épanouissement personnel.

Conclusion : des promesses non tenues à de nouveaux départs

Le Fonds d’aide à la réintégration a été conçu pour offrir de l’espoir et une chance de prendre un nouveau départ, mais sa mise en œuvre actuelle n’a pas été à la hauteur de cette promesse.

Sans une évolution vers des pratiques de réintégration durables, le fonds continuera de représenter une promesse non tenue, poussant les migrants de retour vers l’incertitude d’une nouvelle migration.

Il est temps de repenser, de restructurer et de réorienter les efforts vers une approche globale et durable capable de produire de véritables changements et de tenir la promesse d’un nouveau départ pour les migrants de retour.

Continue Reading

Interviews

The Jamboree and Re-Exodus Fund: A Failed Reintegration Promise for Returnee Migrants

Published

4 hours ago

on

September 15, 2026

By

Kindly share this article

By Victor Aihawu, Director, Platform for Cooperation on Mixed Migration (PCMM)

For years, the Reintegration Assisted Fund for Returnee Migrants has been presented as a vital safety net for those returning to their countries of origin. It is designed to help returnees re-establish their lives, start businesses, pursue education, and reintegrate into their communities. However, the reality on the ground is often quite different, leaving many returnees disillusioned and unsupported. Instead of fostering a sustainable return, the fund has frequently fallen short of its intended goals, with returnees either using the funds to re-migrate or mismanaging it due to inadequate guidance.

A Mismanaged Promise: Squandered Opportunities and Broken Dreams

One of the most glaring issues with the Reintegration Assisted Fund is the lack of proper oversight and professional management. Many returnees, left to navigate complex reintegration challenges on their own, often misuse the funds they receive. Without a clear understanding of how to allocate resources effectively or how to develop sustainable income streams, returnees frequently face financial difficulties soon after receiving the funds. This has led to a cycle of “re-exodus,” where returnees, unable to sustain themselves in their home country, are driven to re-migrate in search of better opportunities.

The Real Causes of Failure: Inexperience and Lack of Sustainable Support

The failure of the fund is not simply due to returnees’ mismanagement but also to the incompetence of those overseeing the programs. Many handlers of returnee programs lack both the requisite experience and the specialized skills necessary to manage sustainable reintegration initiatives. Being in the sector for years does not necessarily translate to genuine expertise; effective reintegration requires an in-depth understanding of developmental best practices, personalized care, and a commitment to long-term outcomes.

Professional reintegration should encompass a comprehensive support system tailored to the individual needs of returnees. This means addressing immediate needs like shelter, healthcare, and trauma counseling, as well as providing vocational training, access to financial literacy programs, business mentorship, and long-term support. Sustainable reintegration should not be limited to short-term financial aid but should extend to building capacity, fostering resilience, and enhancing local community acceptance.

Learning from Best Practices: A Holistic Approach to Reintegration

Successful reintegration programs in other parts of the world offer valuable lessons that can help reshape the Reintegration Assisted Fund. Best practices suggest that effective reintegration requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses not only economic needs but also social and psychological factors. Some key elements include:

  1. Individualized Reintegration Plans: Tailoring support to each returnee’s unique needs, skills, and aspirations is crucial. This involves conducting thorough assessments to understand their background, challenges, and goals before releasing any funds.
  2. Financial Literacy Training: Returnees should be provided with basic financial training to help them understand how to manage their funds, make sound investments, and develop a savings culture. Teaching them about budgeting, debt management, and savings could prevent the fund from being squandered.
  3. Business Mentorship and Skills Development: Providing ongoing business mentorship can significantly improve the chances of successful entrepreneurship among returnees. Programs that offer hands-on training, mentorship, and coaching in business development, coupled with access to micro-loans, can help returnees create sustainable livelihoods.
  4. Long-term Monitoring and Support: Reintegration is a process, not a one-time intervention. Continuous follow-up and support are essential to ensuring that returnees can navigate challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain progress toward stability. Monitoring should focus on both personal development and the sustainability of funded ventures.
  5. Community Involvement and Acceptance: Effective reintegration is not just about the individual—it also involves the community. Efforts should be made to sensitize and engage local communities to support returnees. This involves educating community members about the benefits of reintegration and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for returnees’ success.
  6. Strong Partnerships with Local Stakeholders: Collaborating with local governments, NGOs, vocational training centers, and businesses can provide returnees with a broader network of support. This can also help link returnees to job opportunities, skills training, and local resources, which are essential for long-term reintegration.

Bridging the Gap: Moving Toward Effective Reintegration Policies

The gap between policy promises and ground realities has undermined the credibility of the Reintegration Assisted Fund. Returnees often feel betrayed by what was meant to be a fresh start but has instead turned into a cycle of failed expectations. To move forward, there must be a renewed focus on designing programs that prioritize human-centered solutions, sustainable development, and genuine expertise.

Policymakers and program managers should invest in training reintegration officers, improving financial literacy modules for returnees, and introducing stronger monitoring systems to track outcomes. Reintegration must be seen as a long-term commitment rather than a quick fix, with emphasis placed on building skills, providing meaningful employment opportunities, and supporting personal growth.

Conclusion: From Failed Promises to New Beginnings

The Reintegration Assisted Fund was designed to offer hope and a chance for a fresh start, but its current implementation has fallen short of this promise. Without a shift toward sustainable reintegration practices, the fund will continue to be a failed promise that drives returnees back into the uncertainty of re-migration. It is time to rethink, restructure, and refocus efforts on a holistic, sustainable approach that delivers real change and fulfills the promise of a new beginning for returnees.

Continue Reading

Interviews

La déportation traumatisante d’Abdulai Daramy soulève des inquiétudes concernant l’accord avec les États-Unis

Published

2 weeks ago

on

August 29, 2026

By

Kindly share this article

L’expérience traumatisante de déportation vécue par Abdulai Daramy, un Sierra-Léonais expulsé de force d’Allemagne en 2011, a ravivé les inquiétudes autour de l’accord présumé entre la Sierra Leone et les États-Unis visant à accueillir des ressortissants de pays tiers expulsés du territoire américain.

Daramy affirme que son expérience d’expulsion forcée lui a laissé des séquelles physiques et psychologiques qui ont persisté bien longtemps après l’atterrissage de l’avion de déportation en Sierra Leone.

Selon le récit de son expérience, Daramy s’est fracturé la main lors de son transfert d’un centre de détention vers un vol de déportation en Allemagne.

Mais pour lui, cette blessure physique n’était que le début d’une épreuve bien plus profonde.

À son retour en Sierra Leone, Daramy a rencontré d’autres personnes expulsées qui tentaient de reconstruire leur vie après leur renvoi forcé. Beaucoup d’entre elles, a-t-il constaté, étaient confrontées au rejet de leur famille et de leur communauté, au chômage, à la pauvreté, aux traumatismes psychologiques ainsi qu’à des difficultés d’accès aux soins de santé et à d’autres formes de soutien essentiel.

« Je ne veux que personne d’autre ne vive ce que j’ai vécu », a déclaré Daramy.

Son expérience personnelle allait plus tard inspirer des initiatives visant à soutenir les personnes expulsées à travers le Réseau des anciens demandeurs d’asile de Sierra Leone (Network of Ex-Asylum Seekers Sierra Leone), une organisation créée par d’anciens expulsés pour venir en aide aux personnes confrontées aux conséquences de la détention, de l’expulsion forcée et d’une difficile réintégration.

L’histoire de Daramy a pris une importance particulière dans le contexte des informations selon lesquelles la Sierra Leone pourrait accueillir des ressortissants de pays tiers expulsés des États-Unis dans le cadre d’un arrangement conclu entre les deux pays.

Selon plusieurs informations, un premier groupe de personnes expulsées serait déjà arrivé en Sierra Leone, comprenant notamment des ressortissants du Ghana, du Sénégal, de la Guinée et du Nigeria.

Alors que le gouvernement sierra-léonais aurait défendu cet arrangement comme s’inscrivant dans le cadre de ses relations diplomatiques avec Washington, l’expérience de Daramy soulève une question fondamentale : que devient une personne expulsée après son arrivée ?

Pour Daramy et de nombreux autres anciens expulsés, le voyage ne s’arrête pas lorsque l’avion touche le sol.

Au contraire, la déportation peut marquer le début d’une autre lutte difficile : trouver un logement, obtenir un emploi, surmonter la stigmatisation sociale, renouer avec sa famille et sa communauté et faire face aux conséquences psychologiques de la détention et de l’expulsion forcée.

Au fil des années, le Réseau des anciens demandeurs d’asile de Sierra Leone a appelé à l’adoption de politiques gouvernementales plus solides pour soutenir la réintégration des personnes expulsées, notamment par une assistance sociale et un soutien en matière de santé mentale.

L’arrangement présumé avec les États-Unis a toutefois suscité de nouvelles inquiétudes quant à la capacité de la Sierra Leone à fournir un soutien, une protection et des services de réintégration adéquats, non seulement à ses propres citoyens de retour au pays, mais également aux ressortissants étrangers envoyés dans le pays.

Ces préoccupations sont particulièrement importantes au regard des informations selon lesquelles certaines des personnes expulsées seraient originaires d’autres pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest.

Des observateurs des droits humains et des détracteurs de cet arrangement ont également appelé à une plus grande transparence, notamment à des clarifications sur le statut juridique des personnes déportées en Sierra Leone, les procédures utilisées pour les contrôler et les garanties mises en place pour protéger leurs droits.

Des questions ont également été soulevées sur le sort des personnes expulsées qui ne pourraient pas ou ne souhaiteraient pas retourner dans leur pays d’origine après l’expiration de tout accord de résidence temporaire qui leur aurait été accordé.

Daramy a reconnu ce qu’il décrit comme une réalité politique : les organisations de la société civile sierra-léonaise et les communautés concernées pourraient avoir un pouvoir limité pour empêcher des politiques de déportation décidées par des gouvernements plus puissants.

Il estime toutefois que le processus peut encore être rendu plus humain.

Au cœur de ses préoccupations figure la nécessité d’associer les anciens expulsés et les organisations ayant une expérience directe des retours forcés à l’élaboration des politiques qui affectent directement la vie des personnes déportées.

L’expérience de Daramy, ainsi que celle d’autres anciens demandeurs d’asile, illustre la manière dont les conséquences de la déportation peuvent aller bien au-delà de l’application des lois sur l’immigration et du contrôle des frontières.

Pour de nombreuses personnes de retour, la partie la plus difficile de l’épreuve commence après la déportation.

Alors que la Sierra Leone fait face à une controverse croissante autour du présumé accord de déportation avec les États-Unis, l’histoire de Daramy devrait renforcer les appels en faveur d’une plus grande transparence, de garanties juridiques solides et d’un soutien concret aux personnes envoyées dans le pays.

Pour les anciens expulsés, la question centrale n’est donc pas simplement de savoir si la Sierra Leone doit accueillir des personnes déportées d’autres pays.

La véritable question est de savoir ce qu’elles deviennent après que l’avion a atterri.

Continue Reading

Trending