Rethinking Migration: The Future of Sierra Leoneans and the Reality of Global Travel Bans

By Alex Paul Bangah

The recent travel ban targeting Sierra Leoneans raises significant questions about our place in a rapidly changing world. 

The implications of such bans are profound, extending beyond individual mobility to touch upon the very essence of humanity, dignity, and possibility.

This predicament reflects a paradox deeply rooted in history. 

The echoes of mass repatriation that followed the abolition of slavery seem to resonate in today's narrative of deportation and exclusion, particularly from Western nations perceived as bastions of opportunity. 

Yet, we find ourselves at a juncture where technology, and particularly artificial intelligence, threatens to disrupt the very foundations of human labor. 

With machines increasingly taking on roles traditionally held by humans, the fabric of migration, especially from economically deprived African countries, is fraying at the edges.

The emergence of advanced technologies is not merely a backdrop; it is propelling a new wave of xenophobia and resistance in economically advanced nations. 

The rhetoric around migrants, particularly in the United States under former President Trump, suggested a looming crisis, framing undocumented individuals as threats to national security rather than recognizing their contributions to society. 

This narrative feeds into a broader strategy: as jobs become scarcer for human workers due to automation, the focus shifts towards scapegoating migrants who are often the most vulnerable.

African governments bear a heavy responsibility in this landscape. Instead of confronting the pressing issue of potential mass deportations that stem not only from political decisions but also from an economic reality shaped by automation, there seems to be a tendency to deflect blame onto racism and discrimination. 

While these factors undeniably exist, they can overshadow the urgent need for proactive strategies. 

The reality is stark: as economies evolve, nations in the West may seek to reduce the burden of unemployment benefits for those displaced by technology.

The time for reflection and action is now. It is imperative for African nations, rather than merely one-off and reactive responses, to foster a vision of progress, self-sufficiency, and sustainability. 

We must focus on enhancing domestic opportunities,v fostering innovation, and leveraging our rich resources for our populations. 

Building a stronger, more resilient African continent is not only vital for current citizens but also for future generations who may look to us for leadership and inspiration.

In closing, the challenges facing Sierra Leoneans and broader African populations in the context of global migration are immense, but they also represent an opportunity. 

By embracing a collective vision to uplift our continent and empower our people, we can reshape the narrative around migration, transforming from a story of banishment to one of progress and promise. 

It is time to stop merely reacting and start building a future where Africans thrive at home and contribute meaningfully to the global stage.