Issue of African refugees entering Europe may turn serious, UN warns -

London: The number of refugees willing to risk their lives to enter Europe is increasing tremendously. According to Carlotta Sami, the spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), violence and chaos in Africa’s Sahel region have led to a sharp rise in the number of migrants trying to enter Europe. At least 453 people have died attempting to enter Europe this year. The number of African immigrants entering illegally in Italy has tripled this year. Hence, Europe will undoubtedly have to face a severe refugee problem shortly.

Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and northern Nigeria, which are part of the Sahel region of Africa, are embroiled in brutal fighting between their governments and terrorists. Besides, the terrorist organisations have developed tactics to exploit the hostility between ethnic groups at the local level for their advantage. Therefore, the situation is becoming dangerous. Thousands affected by the violence, chaos, and famine are fleeing from the north coast of Africa as asylum-seekers to Europe. Smugglers are taking advantage of it, and overcrowded refugee boats are leaving from Libya for Europe.

Disturbing incidents have come forth where refugees in overcrowded boats destined for Europe have lost their lives as the ship has capsized. This year, 453 people have lost their lives in such incidents. African refugees are telling the media that they are willing to risk their lives to go to Europe. The reason behind this is the ongoing conflict between terrorist organisations and the governments in the Sahel region of Africa, and also the violence between ethnic groups, which has worsened the situation. Thus, to ensure their security and livelihood, the refugees are putting their families lives and theirs at risk to enter Europe.

UNHCR Spokesperson Carlotta Sami has issued a severe warning on the issue and said it could sharply escalate soon. During the same period last year, the number of illegal immigrants entering Italy was 3,451. However, this year, the number of infiltrating refugees has exceeded 9,000. This shows that the threat faced due to the refugees could become even more challenging. It would become tough for the European countries to stop these refugees, who have decided to reach Europe or die. Therefore, analysts have underscored that the European countries will have to make comprehensive efforts to solve the problem of the refugees.

Meanwhile, right-wing nationalist leaders in European countries are worried that the growing number of refugees could erase the original identity of the European countries.