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Returning Migrants Fight Irregular Migration in Gambia
March 12, 2024
CategoryAfrica Central
Content TypeProgram
LanguageEnglish
Transcript/Script((INTRO))
[[Gambia’s Immigration Department has launched a manhunt for immigration smugglers after an increase in the death toll of Gambians attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean into Europe. Some returnees are now holding workshops to tell the truth about the dangers of trying to flee the country for greener pastures. Senanu Tord reports from the capital Banjul.]]
((NARRATOR))
Soccer players with Katchikally United in Banjul say their last prayers for their teammate Sheriffo Sanneh, who goes by Amfal.
Sanneh lost his life in October attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean to reach Europe. Sanneh, together with two other teammates and about 200 others, left Gambia via a fishing boat for the coast of Spain.
A family friend Gaira Joof says Sanneh was found lying dead after a routine boat cleaning exercise,
((Gaira Joof, Soccer Player)) ((Male, in English))
“After 30 minutes of cleaning the water from the boat, they came back, they found him lying. They tried to see if he was still breathing but they found out that he was not breathing. So, they performed this Muslim ritual prayer, they prayed for him and threw him into the sea.”
((NARRATION))
Gambia’s Immigration Department, the GID, told VOA that 2023 saw high numbers of people leaving Gambia for Europe, and says some people died during the Atlantic crossing. But the Government hasn't yet released an official death toll.
Ibrahim Gassama lost about 5 friends in October. He says his country’s declining economy is driving many young people to seek greener pastures.
((Ibrahim Gassama, Banjul Resident)) ((Male, in English))
“The situation is getting harder in this country that is why the people are moving in large numbers. Because in this country, what we are told here is to ‘focus on your education, after your education you will get a good job so that you can take care of your family,’ and stuff like that. Yes, it is true that after education here, you might get a job, but the big question mark is that, is the job sufficient for you and your family?”
((NARRATOR))
Some who have taken the trip have returned. A group of returnees have joined the Youth Against Irregular Migrations, or YAIM, founded by young people who attempted to migrate to Europe. Now, they hope to fight against irregular migration by training young people with computer literacy skills.
Lamin B. Bojang is a founding member. He is on a campaign to talk about his near-death experiences.
((Lamin B Bojang, Youth Against Irregular Migration)) ((Male, in English))
“This journey, it is not an easy journey. For us, the time we were leaving, nobody told us what was on the way. We thought it was a silver plate, so we just stepped on it and went. So, we decided to say at least when we come back, we do advocacy, sensitize people, showing them that this is not the right channel.”
((NARRATOR))
The GID says it has deployed resources to guard its coastline in a 24-hour surveillance and patrol exercise called “Operation Zero Departures.” They pledge to hunt down smugglers profiting from irregular migration routes in the country.
((Senanu Tord for VOA, Banjul, Gambia.))
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