Another migrant boat under probe as country mourns loss of dozens

“We are aware that a migration boat departed Bakau yesterday 24 September 2024,” Muhammed Bah, the GID spokesperson said. “We are yet to know the number of people on board as the matter is under investigation. We have got reports that the boat is carrying both Gambians and Senegalese and its whereabouts is unknown.

Meanwhile, according to Yahya Sonko, migration and human rights activist, a boat which reportedly capsized, killing dozens of Gambians, departed Mbour, Senegal, on 13 August.

“I understand that more than 150 people were in the boat and more than 60 Gambian migrants were in this boat,” Sonko, who gives frequent updates on Gambian irregular migration said.

“The recent discovery of over 30 bodies by Senegalese fishermen, from a boat that disappeared a month ago, is yet another heartbreaking reminder of the deadly risks our youth face. These were our future leaders—our hope—now lost forever. Bakau, Barra, and countless other coastal communities have been left shattered, time and time again, by similar tragedies.”

“It is with a heavy heart that we once again mourn the tragic loss of our sons and daughters, who perished while attempting to seek a better life across the Mediterranean,” he told The Point.

“We must ask ourselves: how much longer can we stand by and watch as our bright, talented youth are driven to such perilous journeys? How much longer will we allow traffickers—these predators living amongst us—to exploit the desperation of our people? The time for silence and inaction has passed.”

“The Gambia is losing its future. The very future we have worked so hard to build. These young lives are not just numbers; they are dreams, ambitions, and potential that will never be realized. We cannot afford to lose more of our children to the Mediterranean. We must act now.”

“I urge the government of The Gambia to take swift and decisive action. Traffickers must be rooted out, prosecuted, and brought to justice. No corner of our society should be left unturned in this fight. These individuals who profit from our people's suffering must be held accountable.”

“At the same time, we must address the root causes that drive our youth to risk everything in search of a better life. We need to create opportunities here, at home, for our young people. This is a responsibility for all of us—our government, businesses, communities, and families. We need to invest in education, job creation, and infrastructure to ensure that every Gambian sees hope within our borders.”