Image credit Megan Eaves via Flickr.

We’re no longer accepting submissions for Bakwa 09

“Citizenship is the most powerful currency today, often superseding race.”
Vik Sohonie, Africa is a Country
 
When you walk down the airport of a foreign country, into the arrival terminal, do you stare at your passport twice? You think of times you have seen how those with “superior” passports walk down the arrival terminal confidently. You know they will not be harassed or repatriated.
In today’s world of global mobility, cultural interactions, Brexit, borders and passport privilege, for a majority of people who can’t just pick up their bags and leave, they must pray and fast and hope their application isn’t turned down after paying hefty visa fees. The circumstances for other people are different: get a bag, stuff clothes, and go wherever.
While there has been an increase in the number of young Africans who travel the world, they have probably faced racist and dehumanising experiences at airports. Despite having required documents, some of these young African travellers are locked for hours. But what does travelling within Africa also mean to Africans?
What role do borders created by imperialism play in stifling mobility in Africa? How are Africans treated by fellow Africans at airports in African countries, and how different is it from their Western counterparts?
Bakwa Magazine seeks stories about your travelling experiences. What do airports, borders, passports and privilege when travelling mean to you? We seek fiction and nonfiction stories, critical essays, photography and poems that address these issues. We accept submissions in English, French & Pidgin English.
 

Deadline: March 15 April 15

For information about submission guidelines, click here