Babou Jobou (32). Single. Woont een jaar in de oude marinekazerne bij Ritthem die tot 2027 dienst doet als noodopvang voor 575 mannelijke asielzoekers. Geboren in Senegambia.
“The most beautiful place in Gambia. I worked in a restaurant. But no work anymore. No care. No justice. No future for me. Nothing. A horrible situation. I went to Spain to survive.”
“And I ended in Vlissingen. Every day I walk to the center of the town. With music on my ears. Reggae. R&B. It gives me joy. When you walk you are independed, you are on your own.”
“Most of the men who are staying at the AZC are depressed and don’t go out. Everyday I hope for excited news. I don’t give up. Meanwhile I have the energy for a nice walk to town.”
“I have different routes. Station. Keersluisbrug. Vlissingen is one of the most exclusive city’s I have ever been. Definitely. It’s near the water. That makes you feel breathe and alive.”
“Liberty is the most essential thing. There are nice people here. Sometimes I talk with them. The few Dutch words I know are ‘alles goed’, ‘goedemorgen’, ‘alstoeblieft’, ‘dankoewel’.
“I don’t miss Africa. My dream is to live in Europe. Anywhere where I feel peace. At any case: Vlissingen shall be my place this year. Maybe I stay forever. But the future is unknown.”