The
United States Embassy in Banjul learned with great sorrow and grief that a boat
carrying migrants sank off the Mauritanian coast, resulting in the deaths of
scores of people, the majority citizens of The Gambia. We offer our deepest
condolences to the bereaved families.
The
United States government remains deeply concerned by the continued pressure put
on youth to undertake the dangerous and costly “Backway” route. Every year,
thousands of people, many Gambians, lose their lives to this perilous journey.
We encourage parents and relatives to actively prevail on their youth against venturing
into these deadly routes. Not only are Gambians who choose the backway putting
their lives on the line, The Gambia suffers from the loss of its greatest
national resource, their talented, passionate youth population.
The
Gambia has moved a long way down the road leading from dictatorship to
democracy. Continued democratic success and economic vitalization relies on the
contributions and talents of all its youth. We look forward to continuing to
support Gambians who make the brave decision to improve their lives and their
country by choosing to stay in The Gambia, undertaking the difficult and
critical work for development and democratic change. The United States will
continue to support the people and government of The Gambia to improve
socio-economic conditions and promote domestic entrepreneurial business
opportunities for the talented young people of The Gambia.
