In as much as governments encourage travelling through regular means, there needs to be an enabling environment for people at all times.
It is in the news that Gambian youth numbering 99 on board a boat heading to Spain have ended up languishing in a Moroccan detention center since 7 October, 2021.
The boat, according to a source, set off towards Spain Canaries from the Gambia’s coastal town of Gunjur with insufficient food and water aboard.
But what is forcing this number of youth on these risky sea journeys?
Migration is and will continue to be a talking point if African governments didn’t change their policies towards its teeming youth population. Youth empowerment initiatives need to be strengthened and prioritised to help retain these productive youth from these dangerous journeys.
What is even scary is that the majority of these people are on the move and are youth; the future leaders of any country. Indeed, many have succeeded and made remarkable contributions to their families back home. But many have also died on the way trying to reach their dream land.
However, even those who managed to make it, always narrate the worst ordeals they’ve encountered before reaching their destinations. From squalid detention centres to the worst maltreatment, some undergo days without enough food and water. Some even developed sickness as well as psychological trauma etc.
Migration indeed is a topical issue that needs all hands on deck. Another problem is that some unscrupulous people are raking in millions, forcing our production youth into these risky voyages. These unscrupulous smugglers are just interested in their money by neglecting what is expected of them.
Could you imagine some will put a few supplies of food, water and even petrol, knowing full well that such provisions will last a few days, while, boat sets on their boats voyage.
This particular boat in question is a case in point, after running out of food and water for five days on the high seas. They lost six people on the way due to hunger and extreme exposure.
Their condition no doubt calls for redirection of government policies towards youth empowerment.
It is high time the government takes a firm stand on gang of smugglers to deter youth from embarking on the deadly sea journey.
Until then, the issue of illegal migration on our shores will be an issue for years to come. What is even scary is that we are losing a number of productive youth on this ‘back-way’. Migration is not a crime, but let’s travel through the right channels.
“ Migrant workers have helped build our roads, homes and offices. We cannot stand and watch them be homeless.”
Sonu Sood