Protests in Seville over death of migrant street vendor

A wave of protests has swept through Seville following the tragic death of Mahmoud Bakhum, a 43-year-old street vendor from Senegal. On Thursday evening, a gathering is planned in the city centre to demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Bakhum drowned in the Guadalquivir River on December 31 while fleeing local police.

Bakhum’s death occurred after a police chase that began on Seville’s bustling Avenida de la Constitución. When approached by police officers, he fled with other vendors. They were accused of selling counterfeit football jerseys without authorisation. According to police accounts, Bakhum unexpectedly jumped into the river while carrying his merchandise and drowned despite rescue attempts by two officers.

Community organisations, however, question the official narrative. Critics argue that systemic issues, including racial profiling and excessive policing, may have contributed to Bakhum’s death. Alfonso Romera, president of the humanitarian group La Carpa, has called for judicial intervention. “We want the prosecutor’s office to investigate this case and uncover the truth behind this tragedy,” he stated.

Voices of the community

Bakhum was a well-known figure within Seville’s Senegalese community. Friends and advocates highlight the harsh realities faced by street vendors, or “manteros,” who are often subjected to persecution. “We endure constant harassment and are treated as criminals for trying to earn an honest living,” said Hassan Sall, co-founder of Sevilla Negra, an advocacy group for Afro-descendant rights.

Lamine, a fellow vendor and close friend of Bakhum, expressed disbelief over the official version of events. “Mahmoud wasn’t someone who would act irrationally. Furthermore, he had a family to support. We need to see the footage from the surveillance cameras to understand what really happened,” he said.

Calls for justice

Human rights organisations, including the Andalucian Association for Human Rights (APDHA), have joined the outcry, describing Bakhum’s death as a “clear case of institutional violence.” The group has criticised Seville’s mayor, José Luis Sanz, for prioritising crackdowns on street vendors over addressing poverty in the city. They argue that such policies criminalise vulnerable communities and exacerbate existing inequalities.

This incident has drawn comparisons to a similar tragedy in Madrid in 2018, where another African vendor died of cardiac arrest following a police chase. “These deaths reflect a pattern of systemic discrimination and the disproportionate use of force against marginalised groups,” said Teresa Escobar, an APDHA spokesperson. As the community gathers to mourn Bakhum, their message is clear: human dignity must take precedence over punitive measures targeting those struggling to make a living.

Upcoming demonstration

A vigil and rally will take place at 7.00 pm on Thursday in Plaza de la Gavidia, Seville. The event is organised by La Carpa, Sevilla Negra, and other advocacy groups, aiming to honour Bakhum’s memory and call for justice. Participants push for meaningful changes to protect street vendors and other vulnerable groups. 

Why do the police chase illegal street vendors?

Many street vendors operate without the necessary permits and licenses, which makes their activities illegal. Authorities enforce these regulations to maintain order and ensure all vendors comply with the law. Selling products without permits and not paying taxes results in unfair competition for licensed businesses. Additionally, street vendors often break the rules by selling counterfeit products. Therefore, the authorities believe illegal street vending can be linked to criminal activities.