The
Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS have discussed the issue of irregular
migration that is costing lives of thousands of youth from the sub region.
His
Excellency, President Adama Barrow made a case for the Community to strengthen
mechanisms to combat irregular migration. “We need our youths to stay and work
at home. It is very possible to make it at home rather than risking their lives
to travel to Europe,” he told reporters at the airport upon his arrival from
the 56th ECOWAS Summit on Sunday afternoon.
The
Summit gave the West African leaders an opportunity to consult on a range of
issues, including the setting up of a monetary fund and a single currency for
the sub region. They discussed other issues like free movement of goods and
services, as well as security and terrorist attacks that took place in Mali and
Burkina Faso recently.
However,
he also sent a message to the Gambian youths, asking them to have self-believe.
“When I was at that level, I was also thinking along those lines... that I
cannot make it in The Gambia. I have to make it in Europe,” he said. “Let them
know very well that they can make it back home. If that mindset is there, I
think we can make it here,” he added.
The
President explained that there are people who lived in Europe for 30 to 40
years. Yet, they are still hustling. He said that is a proof beyond doubt that
it is not as easy as the perception some people hold. He said The Gambia has potentials that can be
life-changing if youths are ready to exploit them, adding that the country
needs its youth at home.
“And
while they are back home, let them respect the laws. This is very important.
Let them not be afraid of the government or the President. But let them respect
the laws. Respecting the laws of the country is very important and key,” he
emphasised, adding that irregular migration has become a big issue now.
The
Gambian Leader suggested that through education, the people could change their
mindset and inculcate a culture of self-believe that “we can make it” back
home.
He
also called for collective vigilance; all to work together and come up with the
best strategies to address the situation.
