Ouagadougou: Living in Morocco for 31 years, Issa Bamogo advises newcomers to comply with Moroccan law. The delegate of the High Council of Burkinabe Abroad, Issa Bamogo, has lived in Morocco since 1994. With his rich experience of 31 years in the Kingdom, he advises students who come to train there to comply with Moroccan legislation.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Bamogo's primary message to young Burkinabe arriving in Morocco, particularly for educational purposes, is to adhere to Moroccan law, including obtaining a residence permit. Having worked for a Moroccan sewing machine company in the 1990s, Bamogo was assigned to Morocco in 1994, where he continued to work until his retirement. He now serves as a delegate of the High Council of Burkinabe Abroad, emphasizing the importance of respecting local laws.
Bamogo cautions against relying solely on the three-month pass for travel, as it may lead to complications. He highlights the necessity of having a residence permit, which is crucial for obtaining a criminal record, essential for employment opportunities, and ensuring that one's diploma is recognized as legitimate by potential employers.
The Moroccan government, through the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), awards scholarships that attract many African and Burkinabe students to Morocco for professional training. In 2021, of the 23,411 foreign students enrolled in Morocco, 19,256 were African, according to the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation. Gabon led with the most students during the 2022/2023 academic year, followed by Mali and Ivory Coast, while Burkina Faso ranked ninth.
Bamogo also warns Burkinabe students against enrolling in non-accredited private schools in Morocco, an issue that has proven challenging for the High Council of Burkinabe Abroad to address. He advises students to thoroughly research institutions before enrolling.
Additionally, Bamogo addresses Burkinabe individuals using Morocco as a transit point to Europe, often under false pretenses from exploitative individuals. He urges them to abandon such dangerous and futile endeavors, emphasizing that crossing to Europe is not feasible.
Bamogo acknowledges the strong relations between Morocco and Burkina Faso, which have facilitated the integration of Burkinabe students into Moroccan society. Many have found employment with Moroccan companies post-study, and some have returned to Burkina Faso to work for Moroccan enterprises.
Since retiring, Bamogo has dedicated his efforts to supporting Burkinabe arrivals in Morocco. He coordinates actions for the High Council from Casablanca, alongside Dr. Anselme Poda, who manages operations in the south from Marrakech. The High Council of Burkinabe Abroad, established in June 2024, aims to mobilize Burkinabe living abroad for national development, succeeding the previous council in operation since 1993.
