By Okon Ekpenyong

Over 1300 members of the Senegalese community in Columbus, Ohio, gathered at the Liberians In Columbus Inc. LICI center on the east side of the city to receive assistance filling out documents in obtaining identification, passports, and birth certificates for minors necessary to travel from America to Senegal without difficulty.

This gathering was a significant step in ensuring that the Senegalese community members in Columbus, Ohio have proper documentation to avoid challenges while traveling back to their homeland.

The process was free of charge, a notary officer was present, and representatives from the Senegalese branch in New York were on-site to assist. One of the organizers stated that obtaining a visa is no longer necessary for those wishing to travel to the country.

New York is home to a significant community of Senegalese people and where the Senegalese embassy is. This embassy serves as a hub for individuals seeking services related to passports, birth certificates for minors, and identification for Senegalese citizens residing in the United States. This centralized location makes it easier and more convenient for members of the Senegalese community to access these critical services.

However, many Senegalese people living outside New York often need help and incur expenses due to the lack of a Senegalese consulate in multiple US cities. To address this issue, community leaders in places like Columbus collaborate with country officials or the Consul General to bring these services closer to their local communities. It helps to reduce the burden and inconvenience for individuals who require these services.

Credit to the volunteers and community leaders who saw the need for such assistance among the Senegalese population in Columbus.

One of the main reasons behind these difficulties is the need for access to proper documentation in their home country. Due to various reasons, many Senegalese citizens need adequate identification, passports, or birth certificates, making it challenging to travel back to their country of origin. Many individuals and families have not been able to see their loved ones for a while as a result.

“We hope to see more events like this, providing vital support and assistance to immigrant communities in the United States. In collaboration with volunteers from @ASECO, the Senegalese consulate generously assisted over 1300 individuals living in 8 Midwest cities across Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois in obtaining passports, ID cards, and dual nationality for their children. We are incredibly grateful to Liberians In Columbus Inc., LICI for their hospitality and commitment to fostering a sense of community. Alphy Tongor Zari CT, and all others involved – we cannot thank you enough”, said Ibrahim Sow, a member of the coordinating committee.

The event offered a one-stop solution for the Senegalese community’s documentation needs in Columbus. With the assistance of trained professionals and volunteers, attendees could fill out the necessary forms, provide the required documents, and have their applications processed on the spot. It saved them time, money, and the hassle of independently navigating the complex documentation process.

The success of this event highlights the power of community collaboration and support. The Senegalese community in Columbus showed great unity and determination to help each other overcome these challenges. It also demonstrates the importance of having a solid support system for immigrant communities in the United States.

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