Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Ebrima Drammeh, a Gambian migration advocate has called on the government, international organizations, the media, and community leaders to treat irregular migration with the same urgency as violent crime, warning that the country is facing a growing national crisis following reports of another deadly migrant boat tragedy and more than 180 people missing at sea.
In an open letter released on Monday, Ebrima Drammeh, Founder and Executive Director of the Ebrima Migrants Situation Foundation (EMSF), said the repeated loss of Gambian lives during dangerous sea crossings is not receiving the level of national attention it deserves.
“When a violent crime happens in The Gambia, it immediately becomes the focus of discussions on social media, radio, and television. That attention is important. But when hundreds of Gambians die or disappear at sea, there is often silence,” Drammeh wrote.
Fresh Tragedies Raise Alarm
Drammeh said his appeal was prompted by two recent incidents that have deepened concerns over irregular migration.
According to his statement, a migrant boat that departed from Bafuloto reportedly claimed multiple lives on Sunday. He also noted that more than 180 people who left Banjul 19 days ago remain missing, with their families still awaiting confirmed information about their fate.
“Families are living with fear, uncertainty, and unimaginable pain,” he said. “Behind every number is a son, a daughter, a brother, a sister, a friend, and a family whose lives have been changed forever.”
He added that the loss of “hundreds of Gambian lives in just seven months should concern every one of us.”
Call for Grassroots Action
The migration advocate argued that existing awareness campaigns are failing to reach the people most vulnerable to undertaking dangerous journeys to Europe.
Instead of relying primarily on conferences and hotel-based meetings, Drammeh urged the government of The Gambia, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), media houses, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and local communities to adopt a more direct approach.
He proposed expanding outreach activities to villages, urban communities, schools, vocational training centres, youth centres, underserved neighbourhoods, homes, farms, and markets.
According to Drammeh, young people and their parents need to hear firsthand accounts from migration survivors, returnees, bereaved families, migration experts, and community leaders about the dangers of irregular migration.
He also called on radio and television stations to dedicate regular programming to educating the public about the risks involved.
“This is not about politics. It is about protecting our people and giving our young generation hope at home,” he stated.
Appeal for Collective Action
As Executive Director of EMSF, Drammeh said his organization remains committed to raising awareness, supporting families affected by migration tragedies, and partnering with institutions committed to preventing further loss of life.
“Let us work together before more lives are lost,” he concluded.
His appeal comes amid continued reports of Gambians risking dangerous sea journeys in search of better economic opportunities abroad. While the IOM and Gambian authorities have previously conducted migration awareness campaigns, community leaders have consistently argued that more sustained, grassroots engagement is needed to discourage young people from embarking on perilous irregular migration routes.
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