Behind the Curtain of the Border Spectacle: Introducing ‘Illegal’ Movement and Racialized Profiling in the West African Region

The introduction of ‘illegal’ migration in West African countries represented a major conceptual policy shift for societies that were historically characterized by intra-regional free movement. However, this transformation went along with severe allegations racialized profiling undocumented migrants many societies. De Genova’s concept the ‘border spectacle’ describes how presumed ‘illegality’ is made spectacularly visible Europe, thus producing criminalized and portrayal migrants. Nonetheless, work argues today’s illegalization through representation has been extended beyond Europe’s boundaries behind spectacle’s curtain towards origin. Drawing on cases Mauritania Mali, paper considers their fundamentally opposite reaction to ‘irregular’ movement illustrates inherent problematics transferring figure migrant into region. Particularly successful history ethnic conflicts, process essentially externalized European border practices profiling. On contrary, analysis concludes presence established patterns regional cross-border habits it undesirable either introduce or adopt its potentially portrayal.