By Fatou Krubally
A migration advocate has called for urgent national action to address irregular migration while raising alarm over the fate of 180 Gambians that have gone missing at sea a couple of weeks ago.
The founder and Executive Director of the Ebrima Migrants Situation Foundation (EMSF), Ebrima Drammeh, warns that Gambian youths continue to lose their lives through dangerous sea journeys.
In an open letter addressed to the Government of The Gambia, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), media organizations and the general public, Drammeh expressed concern over recent migrant tragedies and the increasing number of Gambians who have died or gone missing while attempting to reach Europe through irregular routes.
His appeal follows reports of a recent boat tragedy involving migrants from Bafuloto, which allegedly resulted in several deaths. He also raised concern over more than 180 Gambians who reportedly left Banjul and have remained missing after 19 days at sea.
Drammeh said the plight of families awaiting news of their missing relatives requires greater national attention and should be treated as a serious humanitarian concern.
“Our country continues to lose its young people to irregular migration,” he said, noting that many families are enduring fear, grief and uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.
The migration advocate urged government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, religious leaders and community groups to intensify efforts to prevent further loss of lives.
He said migration awareness programs should move beyond conferences and workshops, calling for more direct engagement with communities most affected by migration pressures.
Drammeh recommended outreach programs in villages, schools, vocational training centres, youth centres and markets to provide young people and their families with accurate information about the dangers of irregular migration.
He also appealed to media organizations to increase coverage of migration issues through awareness programs, including sharing the experiences of survivors, returnees and families affected by migration tragedies.
“The loss of hundreds of Gambian lives in just seven months should concern every one of us,” he said, stressing that behind every figure is a family facing pain, uncertainty or bereavement.
The EMSF Executive Director reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting affected families and promoting awareness on safe migration.
He called for collective action beyond political differences, urging stakeholders to focus on saving lives and creating opportunities that encourage young Gambians to build their futures at home.