You’ve probably already come across them in the streets of Brussels, Paris, Rome, Naples, Madrid or Barcelona — in all the great cities of Europe.
But do you know their names? Have you met their families? Do you know from which country, which city, which village they come?
Whom did they leave behind? Whom do they hope to find again? What is their situation?
How many borders have they crossed? Do you know whether they wish to return there, stay here, or go elsewhere?
Do you know if, after their death, they wish to be buried there or here? Who will take care of their remains?
You will meet Félix, Beauregard, Aliou — and Joseph as well.
They will take you by the hand, catch your ear, draw your gaze.
A few names among so many others that you might one day hear or speak.
They will take you to the Matongé district in Brussels, to La Goutte d’Or or Porte de la Chapelle in Paris.
They will tell you about Touba, in Senegal.
They will lead you to Douala, Bafang, and even to Komako, in Cameroon.