News of last week’s agreement between Albania and Italy – under which Albania would temporarily host migrants and refugees rescued off Italy – has sparked an eruption of memes on the internet in Albania, some with racist messaging.
One shows video footage of an African talking to a media crew, portrayed as an “interview with a Lezha citizen” – Lezha being one of the places where a centre hosting migrants is to be built.
Another shows a video of a community presumably located somewhere in Africa where what seems to be a white visitor is being greeted by black locals. This meme says it is from an “election campaign in Shengjin in 2027” – Shengjin being another place in Albania that is to host refugees and migrants.
As Prime Minister Edi Rama has not yet given precise details about the agreement, a mayor from Rama’s own ruling Socialist Party has decided to play along with the memes. Mayor of Lezha Pjerin Ndreu has declared a contest for the “nicest meme” on the subject of the agreement.
“Whoever finds the nicest meme, or makes a new one, a committee of three, nominated by me will announce a winner! The winner will be guaranteed seven days of vacation in one of the best resorts in Shengjin with a white owner!” he wrote on Facebook on Saturday.
“The winner will be announced based on likes! Let’s see who lets out the most fantasy! The winner will be announced on December 5!” he added.
The mayor did not say whether his call was a joke or for real – but it drew criticism for what some called its racist language.
The agreement inspiring the mocking memes was signed on Monday last week. It would allow Italy to set up hosting facilities on Albanian territory for migrants rescued at sea, which would process their Italian asylum claims.
The agreement been criticised by human rights experts, lawyers and civil society groups in Italy, while in Albania, many believe it is Prime Minister Rama’s personal initiative since it was not discussed previously in public.
According to the text that was issued, discussions about the agreement started in the summer. Italy hopes it will become operational by the spring of 2024.
“Italy will use the port of Shengjin and the Gjader area to establish, at its own expense, two entry and temporary reception facilities for immigrants rescued at sea, capable of accommodating up to 3,000 people, 39,000 in a year, to expedite the processing of asylum applications or potential repatriation,” the text notes. It adds that Italy will have jurisdiction over the centres.
“In Shengjin, Italy will handle disembarkation and identification procedures and establish a first reception and screening center; in Gjader, it will create a model Cpr facility for subsequent procedures. Albania will collaborate with its police forces for security and surveillance. Albania already sees a significant presence of Italian law enforcement and magistrates,” it continues.
