A long time ago, history set the stage for how people are treated today. Let’s explore how racism against West Africans in countries like Tunisia and Libya began and why it still happens.

1. The Story of the Past
The Slave Trade Across the Desert
Hundreds of years ago, people from West Africa were captured and forced to walk across the hot Sahara Desert. They were taken to North African countries, like Libya and Tunisia, and sold as slaves. This created wrong ideas that black Africans were less important, and sadly, these ideas didn’t go away even after slavery ended.
Islam and Slavery
While the Islamic religion teaches equality, many black Africans were still treated unfairly in Islamic societies. They were often made slaves and seen as less than others, which hurt their chances of living freely.

2. How Colonization Made Things Worse
European Rule
When Europeans ruled countries like Tunisia and Libya, they created systems that kept black Africans at the bottom. They used them as workers and treated them like outsiders.
After Independence
When these countries became free, they focused on being “Arab nations.” This left out black Africans, making it harder for them to feel like they belonged.

3. What Happens Today
In Libya.
Years ago, Libya’s leader, Muammar Gaddafi, invited people from West Africa to work in his country. But many were treated badly and used as cheap labor. After Gaddafi was gone, the situation became even worse. Migrants were locked up, hurt, and even sold as slaves again.
In Tunisia.
In Tunisia, black Africans face a lot of discrimination. Many West Africans who move there for work or school are treated unfairly, blamed for problems, and even forced to leave their homes.

4. Why Do People Still Treat Others Unfairly?
Skin Color Stereotypes
In places like Tunisia and Libya, some people wrongly believe that having darker skin means someone is less important or meant to serve others.
Barriers to Belonging
Black Africans in these countries often can’t get good jobs, live in safe places, or feel welcome because of these unfair attitudes.

5. Recent Examples.
Tunisia in 2024.
A leader in Tunisia blamed West Africans for his country’s problems, which led to violence. Many migrants were kicked out of their homes and left stranded in unsafe areas.
Libya Today.
West Africans still face serious dangers in Libya, like being locked up, hurt, or forced to work without pay.

6. What’s Being Done?
Raising Awareness
Groups around the world are speaking out about the unfair treatment of black Africans. They are sharing stories to help people understand and fight against racism.
International Action
Other countries are putting pressure on Tunisia and Libya to treat West Africans better and protect their rights.
The Big Picture.
The way West Africans are treated in Tunisia and Libya today is connected to a long and painful history. Even though some people are working to make things better, racism and unfair treatment are still big problems. We need to learn from history and treat everyone with kindness and respect, no matter where they come from or what they look like.
Remember.Treating others fairly and with respect can help make the world a better place for everyone!
Remember Childern Respect for your fellow man is everthing in Life as we all share this place we call earth as human beings.

AMAC 2024