The surge in migrant departures from Senegal to the Canary Islands has sparked a new alert. Boubacar SÈYE, president of Horizon Sans Frontières, is urging the Senegalese government to take decisive action to address the issue. He is calling for a comprehensive approach to tackle the root causes of migration, including unemployment, poverty, and lack of opportunities. SÈYE's appeal comes amid a significant increase in migrant arrivals on Spanish shores.
According to SÈYE, nearly 2,000 migrants arrived on the Spanish coast between November 13 and 14, 2026, highlighting the scale of the problem. He warns that the situation is dire, with many migrants risking their lives on unseaworthy boats. SÈYE criticizes the government for responding to the crisis with ad-hoc measures, such as intercepting pirogues and arresting traffickers, rather than implementing a sustainable strategy. He argues that statements of compassion, although well-intentioned, are insufficient to address the crisis.
SÈYE proposes a multi-faceted approach to address the migration crisis. He recommends holding national talks on international migration, establishing an independent national commission, and intensifying awareness campaigns in affected areas. Additionally, he suggests investing in sectors that can provide opportunities for young people, such as fishing, agriculture, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. SÈYE also calls for support for families of those who have died or gone missing at sea.
The president of Horizon Sans Frontières emphasizes that the government must go beyond reactive measures and develop a national action plan with measurable objectives and a monitoring mechanism. He stresses the need to focus on creating jobs, providing training, and offering prospects for Senegalese youth. SÈYE argues that the government should prioritize the needs of its citizens, rather than just counting the number of intercepted pirogues.
SÈYE's concerns are echoed by many Senegalese citizens who are worried about the impact of migration on their country. The issue has sparked a national debate, with some calling for more stringent measures to control migration, while others argue that the government should focus on addressing the root causes of the problem. The government has yet to respond to SÈYE's proposals, but it is clear that the issue of migration will remain a pressing concern for Senegal in the coming months.
The migration crisis has also raised concerns about the humanitarian situation faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe. Many have died or gone missing at sea, and those who make it to Europe often face significant challenges in integrating into their new communities. SÈYE's organization, Horizon Sans Frontières, has been working to provide support to migrants and their families, but he argues that more needs to be done to address the crisis.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Senegalese government will respond to SÈYE's calls for action. One thing is certain, however: the issue of migration will require a comprehensive and sustained response from the government, civil society, and the international community. The fate of thousands of young Senegalese hangs in the balance, and it is up to the authorities to take the necessary steps to address the crisis.
Key points
- Boubacar SÈYE calls for a comprehensive approach to tackle the root causes of migration.
Reporting sources
- WalFadjri · WalFadjri
