The two activists from Calais on hunger strike since October 11 in support of migrants announced Wednesday at a press conference the end of their action. “
We are no longer able to fight through the hunger strike. This is why we have decided today to put an end to it,
”declared Anaïs Vogel and Ludovic Holbein. They had started their fast to denounce the "
inhuman
"
treatment
inflicted on migrants and demand a moratorium on dismantling, with a 72-year-old priest, Philippe Demeestère, who had resumed eating after 25 days. “
We are tired and angry. We are not listened to. The dialogue is closed
», Declared Ludovic Holbein, wool sweater, black cap and thick grizzled beard.
Read alsoMigrants in Calais: demonstration in support of hunger strikers
Tears in her eyes, emaciated, Anaïs Vogel then affirmed that she was "
ashamed of the politicians who govern us
". The government quickly dispatched an on-site mediator, the head of the French Office for Immigration and Integration (Ofii) Didier Leschi, to try to calm the situation. The latter had asked them on November 10, after several meetings with them and associations, to stop their strike. “
We have addressed the issue of migrants' personal effects, putting an end to surprise evacuations. They now have a deadline to collect them. We responded to the request for a citizen dialogue
”, with a committee which brings together associations and State services, had in particular enumerated thegovernment envoy.
Read alsoMigrants: the Ministry of the Interior in the Calais quagmire
A “
reception center
” for the night was also temporarily opened, but has since closed.
The exiles are now taken to new accommodation places: 150 in Pas-de-Calais and 150 outside, according to a press release from the prefecture on Wednesday.
For years, migrants have flocked to the Hauts-de-France coast in the hope of reaching the United Kingdom, with a surge since 2020 in crossings aboard small boats.
According to the United Kingdom, 22,000 migrants have managed to reach England since January.
The human toll rises to three dead and four missing.
The treatment of exiles crystallizes criticism from humanitarian associations and officials, as well as elected officials.