Senegal is among the African countries most affected by irregular migration.
On the occasion of International Migrants Day, celebrated every December 18, the Secretary of State for Senegalese Abroad, Amadou Cherif Diouf, published a message on migration.
« Man, in essence, is a migrant. Throughout history, and for various reasons, populations have been on the move around the world. », he wrote, recalling that this day is an opportunity to review, without complacency, a universal phenomenon.
The Senegalese Secretary of State highlighted the tragedies linked to irregular migration which have marked Senegal in recent years. “ The irregular form of migration in recent decades has caused countries like ours to experience tragedies whose memory remains vivid in our minds. “, he recalled.
In line with the orientations of Vision 2050, Amadou Cherif Diouf pleaded for conditions favoring the development of young people in Senegal. “ The conditions for the development of young people, men and women, will be created through an environment conducive to the creation of decent jobs at the local level. “, he said.
Mr. Diouf insisted on the importance of guaranteeing safe and regular migration routes, noting that “with the systemic transformation of our country, migration will be a choice. Not an obligation.” “The migrant will then take safe, orderly and regular routes and not those which too often lead to death,” he maintained.
Senegal is among the African countries most affected by irregular migration. Every year, thousands of Senegalese take the sea route to reach the Spanish archipelago of the Canaries. This situation gives rise to recurring tragedies. In September 2024, off the coast of Mbour (west), a boat capsized, resulting in the death of at least 39 people. That same month, a drifting canoe containing around thirty decomposing bodies was discovered about 70 km from the coast of Dakar. In February 2024, more than twenty bodies were recovered after the sinking of a migrant boat at the mouth of the Senegal River, near Saint-Louis (north).
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