By Sering Mass Jallow
The National Youth Parliament (NYP) on Saturday convened a national youth dialogue on irregular migration, a youth-led intervention aimed at addressing the persistent tragedies linked to Atlantic migration.
The open-air dialogue, held at the Westfield Youth Monument in Kanifing on 8 February 2026, brought together young people considered at risk of irregular migration, migrant returnees and survivors, as well as key national stakeholders. Participants included representatives from the Gambia Immigration Department, the Gambia Police Force, the Gambia Armed Forces, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Assembly partners, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and civil society organisations.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the National Youth Parliament, Jabu Sisawo, commended the initiative and called for confronting the root causes driving young Gambians to undertake dangerous journeys.
“We must confront the realities pushing these young people to risk their lives at sea,” she said, describing irregular migration as a youth crisis requiring urgent and coordinated solutions.
Assistant Superintendent Alkali Jammeh of the Gambia Immigration Department urged young people to speak out against smugglers who exploit vulnerable migrants.
“It is high time the youth of this country speak up against smugglers and those making money from their desperation,” he said, noting that such efforts would support enforcement measures and strengthen surveillance against irregular migration.
Modou Ceesay, a migrant returnee and survivor of the “backway” journey, shared his personal experiences and encouraged young people to pursue opportunities at home instead of risking dangerous migration routes.
“Let us capitalise on the opportunities we have here. The backway is not the solution,” he said, adding that he would continue to raise awareness about the risks involved.
The NYP said the dialogue forms part of its broader objective of creating platforms for honest discussions among young people, sharing lived experiences, and co-developing solutions aimed at preventing further loss of young Gambian lives.
