A maritime tragedy has claimed the lives of many Guineans off the coast of Mauritania. According to Mamadou Bobo Bah, president of the Council of Guineans in Mauritania, more than 90 compatriots perished while attempting to reach Europe by sea.

“More than 90 Guineans perished there. Five people were buried in Nouadhibou,” said Mr. Bah.

He adds that the 52 survivors were assisted and taken to the border:

“Last Saturday, those who were alive were accompanied by myself and the council office to the Rosso border. Five other people are currently receiving care in hospitals,” he said.

A community without direct diplomatic representation

In response to this tragedy, the president of the Council of Guineans in Mauritania denounced the difficulties faced by the Guinean diaspora in that country, particularly the absence of a permanent diplomatic representation.

“We have an embassy based in Dakar, but it’s very difficult because of the distance. There are often emergency cases that require immediate intervention,” he stressed.

Mamadou Bobo Bah is therefore making an urgent appeal to the Guinean authorities:

"We are asking President Mamadi Doumbouya to send the Minister of Foreign Affairs to help us get a consul general here in Mauritania."

A complicated administrative situation

The President of the Council also highlighted the obstacles faced by Guineans in their administrative procedures:

"We have a strong community here, but even to get up to date, you have to go back to Guinea to get a passport," he laments.

Since January 5th, Mauritania has indeed changed its visa application system, making the procedures even more complex for Guinean nationals.

"It has become very difficult for Guineans to get their visas validated," he laments.