By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
The remote island communities of Jinack Kajarta and Jinack Niggi in Gambia’s North Bank Region are shrouded in profound mourning following reports that a migrant boat carrying more than 190 people, including over 70 locals, has capsized in the treacherous Atlantic Ocean with no survivors.
The vessel, which departed from Jinack Island on November 17, 2025, was bound for Europe via the perilous “backway” route to Spain’s Canary Islands. Independent investigations by villagers, migrant activists, and networks across West and North Africa have concluded that the boat sank at sea, as no trace of its arrival has been reported in Senegal, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, or Europe.
Councillor Karamo Sonko of Jinack Ward described the disaster as devastating, confirming the loss of 76 natives from Jinack Kajarta and one from Jinack Niggi. “At least every family in Jinack Island has been struck by this sea disaster on the Atlantic Ocean,” Sonko said in an exclusive interview. He noted that the boat’s fate remains unconfirmed officially, but villagers’ findings indicate all onboard perished when it capsized.
Sonko revealed the personal toll, saying two of his own employees were among the victims. “Almost all families in Jinack have been affected,” he added, underscoring how the tragedy has rippled through the tight-knit community.
Ebrima Bojang, a resident of Jinack Niggi, echoed the widespread anguish. “The entire community is mourning as I am speaking to you because almost all families in Jinack have been affected. This is not only a tragedy for Jinack Island; it’s a national disaster that affects many other communities in the country.”
Bojang highlighted a particularly heartbreaking aspect: many of those on board were teenagers who embarked on the journey without parental consent or guidance. “The sad part is most of the people involved are minors and teenagers who did not seek the consent of their parents and guardians,” he said.
Compounding the grief, Bojang mentioned uncertainty surrounding a second boat that left Jinack on December 5, 2025. “As we mourn these deaths, the community is yet to know the whereabouts of another boat that left Jinack on the 5th December, 2025.”
Leading Gambian migrant activist Yaya Sonko corroborated the capsizing, stating his organization conducted thorough inquiries through contacts in Senegal, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Europe. “After consultations with our partners in both West and North Africa, who also confirmed that the boat did not land on their shores and it has not reached Europe, we can say the boat has capsized. We have also done our findings in Europe, but no trace of the landing of the boat was reported there, confirming our claim that the boat has capsized and all those onboard have died.”
Sonko pointed fingers at systemic failures, blaming the Gambian government for the tragedy. He cited alleged double standards on migration and a lack of youth employment opportunities as drivers of irregular migration. “Government double standards on migration and lack of employment opportunities for the youth are the main reasons for the mass migration of Gambians through the backway journey to Europe.”
He further challenged authorities to account for over €40 million in European Union funds intended for migration management. “All these monies received by the Government and partners have not reflected on the populace, nor does it stop migration in the country.”
Sonko criticized Minister of Information Ismaila Ceesay for what he called false narratives and denial about rising irregular migration. “The Minister has failed to admit to Gambians that more people are embarking on irregular migration than before.”
Calling for action, Sonko urged the government to collaborate with local authorities in Jinack to prevent youth from using the islands’ shores for departures. He advocated for greater investment in youth development, including skills training and funding for young entrepreneurs, to deter dangerous voyages.
The incident highlights the escalating dangers of the Atlantic migration route, which has seen Gambia emerge as a key departure point amid tightened controls elsewhere in the region. Activists warn that without addressing root causes like unemployment and poverty, such tragedies will continue.
As Jinack’s residents grapple with unimaginable loss, the nation confronts yet another stark reminder of the human cost of desperation-driven migration.
