There is a lot of debate these days about African Immigrants trying to enter Europe through what many call the "Back Way."
Like many African countries, The Gambia has lost many of its citizens, mainly the youths, on the dangerous seas between Spain and Morocco and despite the recurrent grievous nature of the lost of lives, many are still willing to brave the precarious conditions to enter Europe, which African youths have for years looked forward to as the only solution.
It has been reported last week that a total of 27 Gambian youths were confirmed dead when their boat capsized off the coast of Libya during a new upsurge of illegal migration to Europe notably Spain and Italy.
The youths who would have contributed immensely to nation building were on board a boat carrying 365 people although it was only supposed to hold 75.
The practice of embarking on perilous, mostly sea, voyages has in recent years been an all too common phenomenon that has taken its toll on life and limb of African youths who resolve to reach the European mainland by all means.
How sorrowful considering the price the adventure is costing many a hope-starved African youths. The huge amounts involved in such perilous journeys would have helped many youths to establish a small business if not a big one that will benefit not only them but the country at large.
Most African Youths attribute their extreme decision to the inability of their respective countries to, provide jobs, or when they could, the remuneration is not comparable to those in Europe.
However, one thing that our youths should understand is that what all glitters is Gold. Africa too has a lot of potentials and one should therefore be steadfast. The search for greener pastures should not be pursued as a matter of life and death.
