Meet Souleman
Souleman (Gambia) in Lampedusa, Italy. 29 April 2017. ©Pamela Kerpius/Migrants of the Mediterranean
by:
Pamela Kerpius
Recorded:
29 April 2017
Published:
May 2017
Revised:
1/10/25
Meet Souleman.
19 years old and from Gambia.
Many details of Souleman’s journey are unknown. But based on his country of origin and the shared testimonies of some of his travel companions, we have documented part of his story.
To reach Lampedusa, he likely crossed six countries: The Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Libya.
Souleman sat at the table while Prince, Destiny and Yeussupha shared their stories, but he didn’t say a word. We found out why when we asked him his first question, “How long did it take you to reach Lampedusa?”
He speaks French and the West African tribal language Mandinka only, not English. Prince said Yeussupha could translate, but Yeussupha was too upset to speak.
Souleman crossed the Mediterranean Sea, was rescued, and landed in Lampedusa, Sicily, on Easter weekend 2017.
Souleman is an amazing human being.