I left for training,” explains Roger Selekpoh, sitting in his small grocery store in N’Zérékoré, far from the streets of Marrakech where he initially landed in 2015.

N’Zérékoré, Guinea – “I left for training,” says Roger Selekpoh, sitting in his small grocery store in N’Zérékoré, far from the streets of Marrakech where he initially landed in 2015. His journey reveals the complications and dangers many young Africans face in their search for a better life.

Roger, originally from Guinea, never imagined that his desire to improve his computer skills would plunge him into a cycle of irregular migration. His Moroccan adventure, which began in 2015 with enthusiasm, turned into an epic journey to reach Europe. The lure of the European continent and the prospect of a better life pushed him to spend 2,000 euros in unsuccessful attempts to cross the Mediterranean.

Libya, with its promise of a sea route to Europe, becomes an essential stopover. However, this country, tormented by conflict, offers a brutal welcome. “They arrested me and tortured me,” recalls Roger, showing his broken teeth, the aftereffects of months of abuse. The descriptions of his detention are chilling, depicting a reality where humanity is often absent.

The disappointment continues when he returns to Guinea. Rather than the warm welcome of a prodigal son, he finds suspicion and contempt. In a culture where success is often measured by material wealth, returning empty-handed is synonymous with failure. “People look at you differently,” he murmurs, describing the suffocating shame. “When I came back to N’Zérékoré, I didn’t dare come back during the day, so people wouldn’t see me. Because I’m known here.”

But amidst this emotional whirlwind, there is one glimmer of hope: the welcome of his wife. “I called my wife once I arrived at the car station. When I saw her, it was an immense joy, you can’t explain it all, the joy even overwhelmed me…” Roger thanks her for her support and the role she played in his reintegration. “She looked at me beyond my failures,” he says, his eyes shining with love and gratitude. His wife becomes his lifeline, supporting him in the darkest moments and helping him find meaning in his life.

“They gave me a chance to start again,” says Roger, citing the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in his reintegration process.

Roger likes to highlight the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). “They gave me a chance to start over,” says Roger. In addition to the Assisted Voluntary Return to Guinea, the IOM supports Roger by funding his reintegration project. Today, Roger runs a grocery store with his wife. This business helps build self-esteem and Roger regains confidence in the future.

“My goal is to go further, to become a recognized economic operator,” he says with fierce determination, showing remarkable resilience in the face of the trials he has been through.

Roger’s ambition doesn’t stop there. “My goal is to go further, to become a recognized economic operator,” he says with fierce determination. Despite his traumatic experiences, he still sees a world of possibilities ahead of him.

There is a certain irony in Roger’s journey. “From 2013-2014, I was an IOM FMP officer. I was sent to the Thio-Lankou border.” Roger was playing a crucial role during the Ebola crisis. His mission as a field officer was to monitor movements at border entry points, detect disease cases during outbreaks, inform travelers about preventive measures, and collect demographic data. Yet, a few years later, Roger found himself as an irregular migrant, himself receiving assistance from IOM for repatriation and reintegration. From the one who controlled to the one who needed assistance, Roger’s journey highlights the unexpected turns life can take.

Roger’s saga is a poignant testimony, reflecting the perils, temptations and challenges that many young Africans face in their quest for a better life. It also highlights the remarkable resilience of the human soul, capable of overcoming adversity. External assistance, such as that offered by specific initiatives, was essential for Roger’s reconstruction.

Launched in December 2016 with funding from the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, the EU-IOM Joint Initiative is an ambitious programme to protect and reintegrate migrants. The initiative focuses on strengthening migrant protection and providing direct assistance. It also supports the assisted voluntary return of migrants in difficulty on migratory routes and facilitates their reintegration through a holistic approach. Finally, one of its major objectives is to inform current and potential migrants, so that they can make informed decisions about their migratory journey.