African Migration to Spain: Reflections on El viaje de Kalilu

Abstract

Based on some considerations on travel literatures, protected writings and testimonial narratives, the article analyzes from a critical perspective El viaje de Kalilu, a book published in 2009 that narrates in first person the journey of Kalilu Jammeh from Serekunda, Gambia, to the coasts of Spain. The objective is to point out some tensions that exist in the work, especially those related to the writing of the book, the message it transmits and the recipients. It is a testimony that matters and also impacts because of the descriptions it contains about clandestine migration in Africa, travel conditions, the functioning and organization of human smuggling networks, routes, geography, ethnic groups and their linguistic and intercultural interactions, the survival strategies of migrants, the
treatment they receive, among other things. The main hypothesis is that the book has a double purpose: on the one hand, to dissuade Africans who seek to migrate to Europe clandestinely; on the other, to sensitize and raise awareness among European readers about the tragedy of this type of migration. From this double purpose a discussion emerges about who are its true recipients and the reception of the work among different audiences