How one man went from migrant leaving Africa to elected official in Spain: NPR

Serigne Mbaye, who was born in Senegal and is now a deputy in the Spanish General Assembly in Madrid, in the Lavapies district of Madrid, Spain, on October 19.

Ricci Shryock for NPR

hide caption

toggle caption

Ricci Shryock for NPR

Serigne Mbaye, who was born in Senegal and is now a deputy in the Spanish General Assembly in Madrid, in the Lavapies district of Madrid, Spain, on October 19.

Ricci Shryock for NPR

Serigne Mbaye made a life-changing decision in 2006.

The number of fish in his small town of Kayar, Senegal had dwindled, opportunities were running out and Mbaye wanted to support his family.

So he hopped on a boat one night and joined others on a day trip across the ocean to Spain.

Today he is a Spanish citizen and a member of the Madrid Assembly.

His journey parallels the larger picture of how climate migration intersects with politics.

Today, he is widely regarded as one of Madrid’s most vocal politicians for migrant rights.

Listen to our full report by clicking or pressing the play button above.