Government delegate to visit accident site in Mauritania as state confirms 52 Gambians dead, 80 survivors

896

By BABOUCARR CEESAY

The Monitor has learned that the Gambian ambassador to Mauritania, Mawdo Juwara will visit the site of the tragedy at sea that claimed the lives of 58 migrants among them 52 Gambians to confirm the nationalities and identities of the migrants.

President Adama Barrow is said to have observed a one-minute silence during a meeting in Tanji in tribute to the Gambians that lost their lives following the tragic boat accident in Mauritania and prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace.

A press release issued by State House stated that President Adama Barrow has earlier been briefed that the boat originated from Barra, North Bank Region, and fifty-two (52) Gambians lost their lives whiles eighty (80) others survived.

The State House statement added that Gambia government is working with the United Nations International Organization for Migration and will dispatch a delegation to Mauritania at the earliest possible time to investigate and gather more information on the accident.

“President Barrow expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prays for the departed souls to Rest In Peace,” according to the release.

Despite its size as one of Africa’s smallest countries, Gambia is believed to be at the top of the list nations affected by irregular migration leading mostly war-torn countries.

Research shows that Migration plays a significant role in Gambian society with overseas remittances of an estimated 90,000 Gambians living abroad account for over 20 per cent of the country’s GDP, while rural-to-urban migration has led to increasing urbanization.

According to International Organization for Migration (IOM), in recent years, the pursuit for socioeconomic advancement—especially among the youth—has driven many to undertake irregular migration with the aim of reaching Europe.

“Over 35,000 Gambians arrived in Europe by irregular means between 2014 and 2018, with many others in Africa along the Central Mediterranean Route opting for voluntary return,” IOM confirmed.

The ‘back way’ trend has been rampant in mid-2000 but substituted with the Central Mediterranean Route in recent times.

There have been boats using Bakau, Banjul, Tanji and other coastal sea sites but stopped following security vigilance and frequent interception.

However, analysts observed that the migration trend in The Gambia might escalate again if the government fails to intervene by creating urgent and sustainable employment opportunities for the youth despite the vigorous campaigns by returnee migrants, civil society and the National Youth Council.