Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Minister of Information Dr. Ismaila Ceesay has rejected claims by opposition politician Essa Mbaye Faal that irregular migrants benefit financially in Europe, following a recent migrant boat tragedy off Gambian waters.
Speaking on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, Dr. Ceesay addressed public concern after a migrant boat capsized off the Gambian coast, triggering a large-scale rescue operation and resulting in multiple deaths.
He said he personally visited the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital on the day of the incident after confirming details with the Gambian Navy and other authorities.
According to the minister, survivors of the incident—including two pregnant women—were admitted for medical treatment, while emergency agencies provided food and basic assistance. He disclosed that the Gambian Navy rescued 96 people after responding to a distress call, with seven deaths recorded on the day of the incident.
Dr. Ceesay commended the Navy’s response and dismissed media reports suggesting fuel shortages hampered rescue efforts. He explained that while emergency operations can temporarily stretch logistical resources, this should not be interpreted as institutional failure.
The information minister strongly criticized remarks attributed to Essa Mbaye Faal, who reportedly claimed that irregular migrants receive about €600 per month upon arrival in Europe.
Dr. Ceesay described the assertion as false and misleading, stating that asylum seekers in countries such as Germany receive approximately €450 in restricted electronic vouchers for food and clothing—not cash—and only during the processing of their asylum applications.
He warned that portraying Europe as financially rewarding for irregular migrants risks encouraging young Gambians to embark on perilous journeys based on false expectations.
Dr. Ceesay also challenged migration figures circulating in public discourse, arguing that increased reporting does not necessarily indicate a rise in migration but rather reflects broader media coverage of the issue.
