Des Clandestines à la Mer (Clandestines at Sea)

Published by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHRC) and financed by the European Commission and the Danish Government, this comic book called "Des Clandestines à la Mer" (Clandestines at Sea) is designed to inform the public about the reasons for and the dangers of irregular migration. It is intended for young people in French-speaking countries in Africa and Europe and explains the situation of African immigrants in Paris, as well as the influence of African culture in Europe. The comic touches on issues such as asylum, joblessness, and HIV/AIDS. According to the publishers, the comic aims to debunk the myth that life in Europe is paradise for all Africans if only they make it across the dangerous seas. To Europeans, the comic strip explains the reasons why some Africans are compelled to leave and how they deserve respect and protection. The comic was produced in the framework of a three-year project aimed at fighting irregular migration and strengthening the protection system in a number of African countries.

In the comic, one of the storylines tells the story of Masikini’s family in Senegal who are devastated as they haven’t heard from their brother-in-law for many months. They do not know whether his body has washed up on a distant shore or whether he has made it to Europe. In another storyline, a young Senegalese woman meets a man on a plane to France who promises to help her get settled; however, she ends up as a sex slave in Paris. The adventure ends well and the Senegalese girl is freed and the managers of the prostitution ring are arrested. Masikini makes an unexpected fortune with a medicinal plant from Africa and uses it to start a business and create new jobs in Senegal.

The author of the comic, Pie Tshibanda, together with a team of actors, also produced a 40-minute audio version of the book. The UNHCR plans to broadcast it in North and West African counties, where radio is still the most popular of all media. According to Tshibanda, "the comic will help young Africans make an informed decision about their future."