...also known as Moslem Lebensraum...in search of a better life, Aliou Ndiaye settled in Morocco instead, giving up on his original goal like thousands of other sub-Saharan African
"Everyone has the right to go to another country to try their luck," the 31-year-old former fish exporter from Senegal
... a nation of about 14 million on the west coast of Africa bordering Mauretania to the north, Mali to the east, and a pair of Guineas to the south, one of them Bissau. It is 90 percent Mohammedan and has more than 80 political parties. Its primary purpose seems to be absorbing refugees...
told AFP.
"Lots of people are trying to reach Europe, but some end up staying to make a living."
Seven out of 10 West Africa-born
Discouraged by the danger of passing through countries such as Libya and by harsh policies aimed at preventing
Ndiaye said he gave up after he realized reaching Spain was "too hard."
He took on several informal jobs and finally set himself up as a street vendor in Rabat, where he expects to remain.
His story illustrates a trend that has gained increasing attention from Moroccan politicians, civil society and researchers.
Morocco has turned from a transit country into a host country for im
"The Moroccan authorities have switched from a security approach, which criminalized illegal immigration, to a discourse of integration," said Mehdi Alioua, former head of a group that helped