Why African youths should not be sent to Middle East for work

Editor, RE: Mohammed Mpenda’s letter, “Africa is still vulnerable to modern slavery” (The New Times, July 13). I agree with Mr Mpenda that what is happening in Uganda does happen elsewhere in Africa and worldwide. Corruption, unemployment, conflicts and wars force some people to climb up razor wire fences, crossing dangerous sea in leaking fishing boats or hiding in airless containers and thousands die every day in attempts to reach safety or looking for greener pastures in Europe. To some extent, Uganda is safer in comparison to many countries across Africa. But the proposal to send graduates to the Middle East to work as nannies, chauffeurs and house helps is one step backward. Arab land is a dangerous place for Africans to a great extent. I have met many people from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and elsewhere who faced tough times while working in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and in other Arab countries. Here an African is seen as an animal of which can be slaughtered without consequences. This is not something I have heard—I have seen the victims of this modern slavery. Mr Mpenda made reference to Rwandans who are currently working in Dubai, perhaps that is their choice; at least the Rwandan government has never negotiated with anyone to employ them. What I am against is negotiations to send African youth to the Middle East. If Ugandan government negotiated a similar arrangement with England, US or Canada; that would be fine (although I know it is impossible). Well that would be a brain drain conundrum as well but, as we know, some things are worse than others. Finally, our “agaciro” is invaluable for Rwanda and many Rwandans, save for those who seem to oppose every good thing that takes place in their motherland. Butare

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Why African youths should not be sent to Middle East for work