French Police Clear African Migrants Off Paris Streets Ahead of Olympics

This action comes as the capital gears up to mark 100 days until the start of the Olympic Games.

Approximately 50 individuals, predominantly women and children aged between 3 to 10 years old, were evacuated from the area. Many of them were seen bundled up in strollers, under blankets, or covered with plastic sheets to protect themselves from the rain.

The migrants gathered their belongings and were subsequently escorted onto a bus bound for temporary government housing in the town of Besançon, located in eastern France.

While the authorities claim that this move is part of efforts to address homelessness and provide support to vulnerable populations, aid workers have expressed concerns about the lack of longer-term housing solutions for those affected.

There are apprehensions that this eviction may signal the beginning of a broader campaign by Paris authorities to clear out migrants and individuals sleeping rough in the capital ahead of the Olympic Games. Despite assurances from Olympics organizers that they are collaborating with aid groups to find solutions, questions remain about the fate of these displaced individuals.

Many of the affected families hail from French-speaking African countries, including Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. Organizations such as Utopia 56 have been actively providing assistance to these migrants, distributing essential items such as food, blankets, and diapers, and facilitating temporary lodging arrangements for some.

As Paris prepares to host the Olympic Games, the plight of these migrants highlights the pressing need for sustainable solutions to address homelessness and support vulnerable communities in the city.