Stemming from increased concern over the tragedies experienced by young Gambians on hazardous migration paths, a meeting was convened recently. Migrant advocates have spotlighted disturbing statistics showcasing the extent of the crisis. Over 1,600 young Gambians, a crucial demographic in the nation’s progress and development, have tragically lost their lives during attempts to take unlawful migration routes. The count of those missing or unverified further compounds the tragedy, with hundreds believed to be in this category.
One of the core questions tackled in the meeting was how best to mitigate the disastrous fallout caused by these unsafe migration practices. The young population constitutes the vital crux of our nation—yet, it is also this group that we are losing at a deeply concerning rate. It’s become imperative to expeditiously address this urgent national situation by fostering cooperative solutions aimed at minimizing such dire losses.
A top official relayed a firsthand account of how these perilous migration pursuits have wreaked havoc in his hometown. He detailed the profound swath of pain left behind in his village, Kartong, when over 30 young men vanished in 2023. His personal sphere has been affected by the crisis, as he recounted loss of friends and family.
He emphasized the severity and anguish of witnessing those we hold dear risking, and too often losing, their lives, in the pursuit of improved life prospects. A sense of collective grief and urgency underpin the situation and underscore the need for a firm and swift course of action to prevent further losses.
Voicing a similar stance, another participant underlined the necessity of anchoring our efforts in both diagnosing the root causes of unsafe migration and reshaping the prevailing societal views. The issue of dangerous migration routes is of paramount importance and demands our immediate attention. Defined efforts must be undertaken to dismantle the widely held notion that Europe is the exclusive road to prosperity.
In tandem with this, there’s an urgent call to carve out tangible opportunities right here in The Gambia, to inspire our youth to stay put, and provide support to those who wish to move via the proper and safer channels.
An executive director from the council highlighted the organization’s dedication to resolving this pressing issue at hand. The discussions surfaced a number of legitimate and immediate concerns. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the government has significantly amplified its efforts over the past decade to curtail these unsafe migration practices.
Investment has been notably channeled into programs known for reducing irregular migration trends such as reintegration schemes, skills enhancement projects, and advocacy initiatives. Yet, alongside these tangible efforts, there’s an equally pressing need to address the deep-seated belief that success is solely attainable through migration to Europe.
Success stories abound from individuals from different nations who have found prosperity right here in Gambia. The agenda now is to shift our focus towards creating these same opportunities here for our younger generation. The council iterated their commitment to cooperate in these efforts across all time horizons, to devise sustainable answers to this crisis.
Several other speakers expressed similar concerns. They underscored the need for bolstering efforts to deal with the grave repercussions of unsafe migration. This includes amped-up advocacy, enhancing avenues of opportunities, and rolling out broader initiatives aimed at youth empowerment.
Their upcoming endeavors shall be focused on holding a series of meetings. The intention is to deliberate on, review, and fine-tune proposed solutions. Ultimately, the aim is to craft a holistic strategy, one that not just addresses the root causes leading to risky migration endeavors, but also outlines practical alternatives for Gambian youth.
All these discussions highlight the importance of these issues – the desire and need for better living conditions should not come at the cost of risking life and limb. The focus, therefore, must be on reshaping perceptions, reshuffling the idea of success, and creating and offering concrete opportunities within Gambia. Associated measures should be geared towards changing the mindset of the youth, with due emphasis on channeling migration efforts through safe and regulated pathways.
A concerted effort must be made to educate and empower the youth to choose opportunities within the country rather than forcibly seeking alleged greener pastures. It is crucial to dismantle the narrative that Europe offers the only chance of success. Gambia itself can be a land of dreams fulfilled if we cultivate the right mindset and opportunities.
The meeting underlines the fact that the resolution of this crisis lies not just in government measures or council actions, but demands a shift in mentality. The future seems calls for comprehensive strategies, not just to tackle the root causes, but also to provide feasible, attractive alternatives to irregular migration for Gambia’s youth.