On September 26, 2026, Senegal marked the 24th anniversary of the Joola ferry tragedy, which claimed nearly 2,000 lives off the coast of Gambia. Prime Minister Ahmadou Alhaminou Lô attended the commemoration ceremony, paying tribute to the victims and expressing the government's solidarity with their families. He emphasized that the nation will never forget the tragedy and its impact on the country.
The Prime Minister described the Joola disaster as a painful reminder of the importance of preserving national memory. He noted that the tragedy has become an integral part of Senegal's national consciousness, and its memory must be kept alive for future generations. The government has established the Musée-Mémorial national du Joola to serve as a place of remembrance, education, and transmission of the tragedy.
During his speech, the Prime Minister announced that the government will ensure permanent and dignified access to the memorial for the families of victims and survivors. He emphasized that the memorial must remain a place of remembrance and transmission, allowing future generations to learn from the tragedy. The government aims to make the memorial a living, accessible, and educational space.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of transmitting the lessons of the Joola tragedy to future generations. He encouraged the relevant ministries to work with families of victims, survivors, and other stakeholders to preserve the memory of the tragedy. The government aims to promote a culture of prevention, responsibility, and respect for rules and regulations.
Ahmadou Alhaminou Lô praised the perseverance of families of victims and associations of survivors, as well as the bravery of rescuers, fishermen, healthcare personnel, and volunteers who responded to the tragedy. He also acknowledged the efforts of Sokhna Gaye, administrator of the Musée-Mémorial national du Joola, and other stakeholders involved in preserving the memory of the tragedy.
The commemoration ceremony was attended by several government officials, including Ministers Yankhoba Diémé, Bacary Sarr, and Alpha Thiam, as well as administrative, territorial, and religious authorities. The Prime Minister's presence at the ceremony in Ziguinchor was widely reported in the Senegalese press.
The Joola tragedy occurred on September 27, 2002, when the ferry capsized off the coast of Gambia, resulting in one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history. The Prime Minister's message concluded with a call to action, urging the nation to honor the victims and ensure that the tragedy serves as a lesson for the future.
Key points
- The Senegalese government has reaffirmed its solidarity with the families of victims and survivors of the Joola tragedy.
- The Musée-Mémorial national du Joola has been established to preserve the memory of the tragedy and promote education and transmission.
- The government aims to make the memorial a living, accessible, and educational space for future generations.
