By Ebi Kesiena
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Saturday implored young people to avoid the dangerous Atlantic journey to Europe after a recent disaster where many migrants died when their boat capsized off the coast of Mauritania.
In a tragic incident earlier this week, nearly 90 migrants headed for Europe perished after their boat overturned. This latest tragedy underscores the risks of the perilous journey off the coast of West Africa.
“Another shipwreck has occurred off our coast. While we await exact figures, it appears many young people have lost their lives
“It’s a shame, it’s deplorable. I urge young people: your solution does not lie in dug-out canoes,” Sonko said during a speech at Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, broadcast.
On Thursday, Mauritania’s state news agency reported that the coastguard had recovered 89 bodies from a large traditional fishing boat that capsized off the southwest coast on Monday. Survivors indicated the boat had departed from the Senegal-Gambia border with 170 passengers, leaving 72 missing after the coastguard rescued nine individuals.
The Atlantic route is notably hazardous due to strong currents, with migrants often traveling in overloaded and unseaworthy boats lacking sufficient drinking water. However, increased Mediterranean vigilance has driven more young people to take this route, seeking a better future in Europe.
“I assure you, the countries some young people aim to reach are also in crisis or approaching one.
“The future of the world lies in Africa, and young people must recognize this. Africa is the only continent with significant room for progress and growth.” Sonko stated.
According to Caminando Fronteras, a Spanish charity, over 5,000 migrants died attempting to reach Spain by sea in the first five months of this year, averaging 33 deaths per day. This is the highest daily death rate since the charity began recording figures in 2007, with the majority occurring on the Atlantic route.
