Senegalese migrants honoured in Spain

Two undocumented Senegalese migrants, Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N’Diaye, have been honoured in Spain for their heroic actions.

The city of A Coruña recognized their bravery and selflessness, awarding them honorary plaques and conferring upon them the title of “Adopted Sons of A Coruña.”

Checks by Diaspora Digital Media imdicate that the story began on a fateful day in 2021 when a fatal homophobic attack occurred in A Coruña.

Diack and N’Diaye, who were in the area, witnessed the attack and intervened to help the victim, Samuel Luiz.

Despite being undocumented and risking their own safety, they called the police and provided assistance to Luiz.

Tragically, Luiz succumbed to his injuries and passed away. However, the bravery and selflessness displayed by Diack and N’Diaye did not go unnoticed.

The city of A Coruña recognized their heroic actions and awarded them honorary plaques.

Additionally, the city conferred upon them the title of “Adopted Sons of A Coruña.”

The mayor of A Coruña, Inés Rey, praised Diack and N’Diaye for their courage and selflessness.

Rey emphasized that their actions demonstrated the values of solidarity and humanity that are essential to the city’s community.

“This is a recognition of the values that they have shown, values of solidarity, humanity, and courage,” Rey said. “They are an example for all of us, and we are proud to have them as part of our community.”

The recognition of Diack and N’Diaye’s heroic actions serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of promoting a more inclusive and welcoming society for migrants.

By acknowledging the contributions that migrants make to their host communities, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable world for all.

In recent years, Spain has been working to strengthen its ties with Senegal, particularly in the areas of migration and economic cooperation.

In 2024, Spanish President Pedro Sánchez visited Senegal to discuss issues related to migration, security, and economic development.

During his visit, Sánchez emphasized the importance of cooperation between Spain and Senegal in addressing the root causes of migration and promoting sustainable development.

Poor living conditions triggering migration 

Poor living conditions in Senegal are driving many of its citizens to migrate in search of better opportunities.

The country faces significant challenges, including widespread poverty, with around 40% of the population living below the poverty line.

This poverty is particularly prevalent in rural areas, where access to basic services like healthcare and education is limited.

Many Senegalese, particularly in rural areas, lack access to quality education and healthcare, making it difficult for them to break the cycle of poverty.

Climate change and natural disasters, such as floods, are also contributing to migration in Senegal.

Many Senegalese migrants are moving to urban areas within the country or to neighboring countries in West Africa.

Others are attempting to reach Europe, with Spain being a popular destination. Senegal is among the top countries of origin for migrants arriving in Spain.

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