APA-Dakar (Senegal) – Irregular migration has resumed in recent weeks in Senegal, prompting the government to step up cooperation with other countries to exchange information, share best practices and coordinate efforts to combat human trafficking networks.
In addition, border controls have been strengthened to detect and prevent illegal entry by deploying appropriate human and technological resources to monitor entry points and routes frequently used by irregular migrants. The government also conducts awareness-raising campaigns to inform young people about the dangers of irregular migration and to promote legal and safe migration routes.
To support its efforts, the government has drawn up a national strategy to combat irregular migration, which was presented this Thursday in Dakar by Prime Minister Amadou Ba, who said that “the tragedy of illegal migration implies the responsibility of several actors, each of whom has an essential role to play in the search for solutions.”
“The fight against irregular migration is a collective effort that requires the mobilization of all social actors. By working together, we can create an environment conducive to development, stability and prosperity, and thus discourage young people from risking their lives in irregular migration,” said the Senegalese leader.
Ba argued that states have a fundamental role to play in managing irregular migration. To this end, the Senegalese government has developed public policies to promote economic, social and educational development, as well as programs to create employment opportunities and strengthen infrastructure.
“It is clear that the measures taken have produced satisfactory results. In fact, the employability and youth employment programs, including +Xëyu Ndaw ñi+, vocational training and apprenticeship, as well as the territorial and social equity policies, all illustrate the State’s commitment to eradicating the phenomenon of irregular migration,” he continued in his speech, as reported by APA.
According to the prime minister, families also have a key role to play in preventing irregular migration, especially by encouraging young people to make responsible choices.
“They must value education and encourage them to stay in school to acquire the skills they need for their future. Parents must provide their children with emotional support to help them cope with the difficulties and frustrations that may influence their decision to migrate illegally. They must provide accurate information about the risks of illegal migration and, if necessary, encourage the search for legal and safe alternatives to migration,” said Mr. Ba.
Returning to the National Strategy to Combat Irregular Migration, he stressed that it is “the fruit of in-depth consultation and reflection with experts, civil society organizations and stakeholders.
It focuses on the promotion of education and training, the creation of jobs and economic opportunities, the protection of human rights and the fight against exploitation, as well as awareness-raising and international cooperation.
TE/ac/lb/as/APA