The ECOWAS Parliament has stepped up efforts to combat irregular migration and human trafficking across West Africa by taking its regional sensitisation campaign directly to communities in The Gambia.
During an outreach session in Brikama, parliamentarians, migration experts and anti-trafficking officials warned that the growing number of young people embarking on dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities poses a serious threat to the country’s future.
The engagement is part of a week-long Parliamentary-Citizen Engagement programme in The Gambia focused on promoting safe migration and preventing human trafficking.
Speaking at the event, Gambian lawmaker and Member of Parliament for Brikama North, Alhagie S. Darboe, said the sensitisation campaign would help young people better understand the dangers of irregular migration and the realities of life abroad. He added that Brikama’s diverse population makes it an ideal location for discussions on migration, integration and community security.
Meanwhile, Gambian Delegate to the ECOWAS Parliament, Maimuna Ceesay, expressed concern over the increasing number of youths undertaking risky migration journeys. While acknowledging that migration cannot be completely stopped, she called for stronger regional action to promote safer migration pathways and create better opportunities for young people.
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Officials of the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons also highlighted the human cost of trafficking linked to irregular migration. According to Seedy Bojang, authorities investigated about 30 trafficking cases in the past year, including 25 involving sexual exploitation.
The ECOWAS Parliament says the community engagements are aimed at addressing the root causes of irregular migration while promoting safe and legal migration pathways. The regional campaign will continue in Senegal as part of broader efforts to combat human trafficking, modern slavery and unsafe migration routes across West Africa.
