Tragically, a boat off the coast of Senegal was found by the military to be carrying at least 30 dead in various stages of decomposition. This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that migrants confront as they make the risky trek across the Atlantic in pursuit of better chances.
A military statement stated that the wooden pirogue, a canoe type frequently utilized for such journeys, was discovered around 70 kilometers (45 miles) off the coast of Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Despite Monday morning’s arrival at the port, retrieval operations have proven difficult owing to the bodies’ advanced condition of decomposition.
Increasing Number of People Migrating from West Africa to Europe
The number of migrants trying to cross into Senegal has increased dramatically in the past few months, with hundreds of people apprehended by officials along the difficult path. This increase reflects a larger pattern in West Africa, where individuals are putting their lives on the line to seek better prospects elsewhere due to socioeconomic pressures.
Factors such as poverty, insecurity, and joblessness frequently motivate young men in Senegal and nations nearby. While there are many risks associated with migrating, many still consider it as the only option. Traveling to the Canary Islands from West Africa is a quicker and less dangerous way to reach Europe than crossing the Mediterranean and Sahara Desert.
Overfishing, poverty, and unemployment are driving forces behind migration.
The decline of Senegal’s fishing sector is a major cause of the country’s emigration. Local fishermen in Senegal have been greatly affected by foreign trawlers, who frequently operate illegally off the coast. A lot of people say they’re broke and have no choice but to look for ways to migrate or give their boats to people traffickers. Once a pillar of Senegal’s economy, these fishermen are now clinging to precarious endeavors in the face of an uncertain future.
A Humanitarian Disaster on the Rise: The Canary Islands Path
Because of the route’s closeness to West Africa, the Canary Islands have grown in popularity as a migration destination. The crossing is still dangerous, though, and many people don’t make it. According to Frontex, the European border agency, there has been a notable increase in the number of individuals utilizing the Atlantic route. There was a tremendous 161% spike in the number of migrants trying this route in 2023 compared to 2022.
Although many make it to the Canary Islands, the United Nations estimates that around 40,000 people arrived there in only the past year. In 2023, there were approximately 1,000 verified cases of death or disappearance on the route; however, the actual number of casualties is probably much greater because of the high number of unreported cases.
The Increasing Dangers Illuminated by Recent Migrant Fatalities
There have been other recent finds of decaying remains. The Dominican Republic shoreline was the site of the discovery of fourteen decaying remains in August 2024; the victims were thought to have been migrants from Senegal. The dangers that migrants confront when trying perilous maritime crossings are brought home by these sad occurrences. Many migrants from West Africa face these tremendous risks because they are desperate and have nowhere else to turn.
A 10-Year Strategy to Fight Illegal Migration: Senegal’s Reaction
The government of Senegal has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and, in August 2024, began a 10-year program to combat illegal migration and its related fatalities. Poverty, a lack of employment prospects, and the decline of local businesses like fishing are some of the main reasons people migrate. This all-encompassing project aims to address these issues.
But there are big obstacles to the government’s attempts. Intercepting migrant boats off the coast and raising information about the perils of the journey are two actions that have not deterred many young people. Migration from Senegal is persistent due to the country’s harsh reality and the appeal of greater chances in Europe.
Addressing Root Causes Requires International Support
The international community and the governments of West Africa must work together to resolve this situation. Addressing challenges like overfishing, which has a devastating impact on the livelihoods of coastal populations, is just as important as increasing job creation and promoting sustainable economic development in nations like Senegal. In addition, international cooperation is required to bring those responsible for human trafficking to justice and to eliminate migrant smuggling networks.
Moving Forward: Rooting Out the Migrant Crisis
The discovery of decaying remains on a boat off the coast of Senegal is a sobering reminder of how critical it is to tackle the underlying issues that drive migration in West Africa. Many more lives could be lost at sea as migrants persist in undertaking these perilous travels until underlying social and economic conditions are remedied.
