Becoming European – Abou Sene, fisherman, activist and asylum seeker from the Gambia
Why do people leave Gambia? How does it feel? What does new European Abou dream about?
Abou Sene is a Gambian fisherman and activist who met Polish director Gosia Juszczak in 2019 in Gambia. Both decided to work together on Gosia’s ‘Stolen Fish’ documentary to make sure Abou’s story and message were given as much reach as possible. ‘Stolen Fish’ draws a line between the influence of Chinese companies on Gambian economy and drivers of migration to Europe. At the end of last year, Abou decided to step into the unknown, sell his boat and cross into Europe. He made it to the Canary Islands in November, and is now waiting for a decision on his asylum request in mainland Spain.
Abou Sene, protagonist of MRG’s ‘Stolen Fish’ documentary. Credit: Abou Sene.