By: Fatou Krubally
The Afro Movement has blamed what it calls years of failed leadership and ignored warnings for the deaths of young Gambians following a deadly irregular migration incident, insisting the tragedy was not an act of fate but the result of government inaction.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Afro Movement President Momodou Bah said the loss of lives at sea reflected deeper governance failures, accusing authorities of responding with sympathy instead of responsibility.
“Strong determination after nearly ten years in power is not leadership,” Bah said, arguing that young people are risking their lives because opportunities, jobs, and hope have remained out of reach.
“They are not dying because they lack patience. They are dying because the system has failed them.”
Bah also criticised the government’s handling of information following the incident, noting that nearly 48 hours later, key details had still not been clearly communicated to the public, including the number of people involved, their nationalities, and how many remain missing.
“This is not about complexity,” he said. “It is about accountability. Families deserve the truth, not silence.”
While acknowledging the role of security forces in rescue efforts, the Afro Movement leader stressed that prevention should have been the priority. He argued that repeated alerts about rising irregular migration were not acted upon, allowing the situation to escalate into tragedy.
“You cannot praise response when prevention failed,” Bah said, adding that leadership is measured by foresight, not reaction.
The statement further criticised what it described as vague official messaging, saying expressions of condolence without clarity or concrete action do little to comfort grieving families.
“Words do not bury the dead. Words do not replace sons who will never return,” Bah said. “Mothers are waiting for answers, not speeches.”
Bah concluded by calling for transparency, justice, and concrete policy action to address youth unemployment and migration pressures, warning that without meaningful change, similar tragedies will continue.
“This was not an accident,” he said. “It was the consequence of ignored warnings, broken promises, and a failure to lead. Gambians deserve more than statements. They deserve leadership.”
