Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow on Monday renewed his call for Gambians, particularly parents, communities, and young people, to work together to find sustainable, home-grown solutions to the persistent problem of “backway” irregular migration.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, President Barrow reaffirmed his government’s commitment to tackling irregular migration head-on, while urging citizens to take advantage of opportunities available within The Gambia.
“I call on parents, communities, and youths to join me in finding lasting home-grown solutions to tackle the issue of ‘backway’ irregular migration,” the President said. “As my government continues to take decisive actions to counter this phenomenon, I encourage citizens to embrace opportunities within The Gambia.”
President Barrow reflected on the country’s socio-economic progress over the decades, contrasting current conditions with the hardships of the 1980s, when basic commodities were scarce and citizens queued for rice rations.
He noted that today, essential goods such as rice are readily available and that many Gambians can afford at least three meals a day.
The President placed particular responsibility on parents, urging them to instill values of hard work, patience, and resilience in their children, and to discourage them from being lured by what he described as “misguided promises of instant wealth abroad.”
To strengthen national efforts, President Barrow announced that his government plans to initiate an inclusive national dialogue and sensitization program on migration and development. The process, he said, will bring together political leaders and other key stakeholders to address the root causes of irregular migration and chart a collective path forward.
Meanwhile, the human cost of irregular migration was underscored on Monday by migration activist Ebrima Drammeh, who revealed alarming figures during a press conference in Banjul. According to Drammeh, more than 893 Gambian migrants lost their lives between January and December 2025.
He disclosed that 840 of the victims died at sea, while 26 perished on land. Drammeh added that the deaths were linked to 72 migrant boats that disappeared without a trace in 2025, 26 of which were carrying Gambian nationals.
The revelations have renewed calls for urgent and coordinated action to curb irregular migration, as authorities and civil society groups continue to warn of the dangers faced by Gambians attempting the perilous journey in search of better opportunities abroad.
