Biographies
The people behind the experiences
Early morning scene in Bignona, north of ziguinchor
Even though the people in this research are real, the names and pictures have been altered for the privacy of the participants. Names have been selected and altered at random and the images were sourced from a royalty free stock website and altered with Photoshop for artistic effect and anonymisation. The rest of the information on this page is accurate.
Assane (b. 2000) is a Jakarta driver in Ziguinchor, having started in December 2023. Originally from the city, he grew up in the Diabir neighbourhood of Ziguinchor. He previously studied at the university in Ziguinchor before stopping his studies in his last year. He is close friends with Issa.
Issa (b.1995) is a guardian at a local school, having a background in telecommunications before being fired by surprise. He grew up in the Bignona department, where he worked before. He got married a few months before the start of this project and is eager to start a family. He is close friends with Assane.
Chérif (b.1997) is a vendor on the St Maur market and is a native of Ziguinchor, living in the house built by his grandparents in the Boucotte neighbourhood. A Diola and proud of it, according to himself. He loves to talk about politics and justice while drinking coffee in front of his booth. He lives together with his mother, wife and children in a compound close to the market.
Limane (b.1995) owns a print and cosmetics store together with Landing, the two met while studying Law at the University of Ziguinchor. Originally from a village not too far from Ziguinchor. A charismatic man, always having a laugh with his neighbours while sitting outside his business over a glass of tea or sharing a meal that he brought from home.
Landing (b.1995) is the co-owner of a print and cosmetics shop. He is originally from the Lyndiane neighbourhood in Ziguinchor. More introverted than his friend and co-owner, he can often be found sitting next to the group outside while reading a book or looking at his phone, saying “What, already?” in a surprised tone after I announce that I’m heading home for the day.
Filal (b.1998) is a Jakarta driver who often waits around the market area for clients. A native from Oussouye, Filal says that he knows the region by heart, claiming that you can drop him off at any road in the region blindfolded and he will be able to identify where he is immediately.
Youssouph (b.1996) was born in a village right on the border with The Gambia and currently resides in Diabir. Forced to leave school at the age of 14 after the death of his father, he now owns his own construction company, teaching students the trade of building. He is also a strong supporter of the PASTEF (left-wing populist party, Patriotes Africains du Sénégal pour le Travail, l'Éthique et la Fraternité) and Ousmane Sonko, its leader, in particular.
Bassirou (b. 2002) is a student at the University of Ziguinchor. He lives with his aunt in Ziguinchor although the rest of his family is spread between Dakar and Bignona. An avid musician, he likes to perform at local nightclubs during the weekends or to relax and watch the sunset over the Casamance river, contemplating plans of going abroad.
Arfang (b.1995) was born close to the border of Mali before moving to Dakar and then being transferred to Ziguinchor for work. Standing almost 2 metres tall, he has a soft voice and a huge love for God and his family, especially his young daughter. Arfang works as a coffee vendor close to Limane and Landing but is looking for other business opportunities to support his growing family.
Jean (b.1997) came from Rufisque, a suburb of Dakar. After completing his military service, he tried joining the French Foreign Legion but was rejected due to administrative issues. Instead, he went to the police academy and got attached to the Mobile Brigade of the Senegalese Gendarmerie. He is now stationed in Ziguinchor.
Malick (b.1999) arrived from Kaolack, about 175km north of Ziguinchor to find work. Initially selling clothes starting from a young age in Kaolack, he moved to Ziguinchor in pursuit of better work opportunities, getting a job as a worker in the port before losing his job due to the port’s renovation. He is rides a Jakarta to support himself until he finds a better opportunity.
Ibrahim (b. 1994) is born and raised in Ziguinchor by a Jola father and mother. He now drives a Jakarta in Ziguinchor but excelled in school and started his career as a journalist, having a good job in Dakar. He quit due to a disagreement with his boss over a story he wanted to cover, feeling like he was censored. He doesn’t regret his decision to quit, saying he stayed true to himself.
Sweder (b.2000) was born in the Netherlands and grew up in Normandy, France, before moving to The Hague to pursue his studies. Having worked various jobs in fast-food, kitchens and as a dispatcher alongside his studies, he is also a hobby photographer. He moved to Ziguinchor for 3 months as part of his research.