By: Nyima Sillah
Migration and human rights activist YahyaSonko lamented that 200 Gambian youths have perished on the various migratory routes to the EU since 2023, describing the Mediterranean Sea as a graveyard for Gambian youths.
He explained that there existed the grim reality that Gambia youths have perished in countries such as Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. “Tragically, more than 200 young Gambians have lost their lives on these deadly migrations since 2023, with thousands more missing. The Mediterranean Sea has become a graveyard for our sons and daughters,” Sonko told The Voicein an interview on Tuesday.
He argued that the problem of irregular migration has assumed a crisis proportion, explaining that it has profoundly affected the entire country. The migration activist said the surge in irregular migration from The Gambiaclaims the lives of youths every week as the majority of them use unseaworthy boats for their sea journeys to Europe.
Mr. Sonko pointed out that he often wonders about the role that Gambian authorities, NGOs, and the National Assembly play in respect to irregular migration. Sonko argued that migration has become a lucrative venture in The Gambiadue to the government’s poor handling of the issue as he accused the NGOs of treating migration as a money-spinning opportunity through workshops.
He hinted that the larger society has been complicit in irregular migration as it focuses more on remittances from those who made it to Europe than the lives lost on migratory routes.
“Our youths are not criminals. They are victims of a system that fails to provide sustainable livelihoods and a hopeful future. As the saying goes: “No one enters the sea if the land can give them the future they desire. The desperation driving our youth to risk their lives is a clear indication of the systemic failures we must urgently address,” Sonko opined.
The migration activist recommended to thegovernment and the National Assembly to implement sustainable job creation programs to provide viable employment opportunities for the youth such as enhancing vocational training and education to equip young people with the skills needed for gainful employment within the country and promoting and supporting local businesses and entrepreneurship through grants, loans, and mentorship programs.
He also recommended that national awareness campaigns be launched by the government tohighlight the dangers of irregular migration and promote alternative pathways to success within The Gambia, adding that the government must also work collaboratively with NGOs, international organizations, and diaspora communities to develop comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of irregular migration.
Another recommendation that the migration activist made to the government is the introduction and enforcement of policies that protect the rights of migrants as well asproviding support for migrant returnees and engaging with communities across the country to foster a sense of responsibility and collective action towards combating irregular migration.
He finally called on Gambians and friends of The Gambia to concert their efforts to create a Gambia, where young people can chase their dreams, achieve their aspirations and thrivewithout risking it all on deadly journeys.