By: Alieu Ceesay
The coastal community of Bakau has been plunged into grief and mourning after more than a dozen young people, including women, died en route to Europe on the perilous journey.
The announcement and confirmation came after Senegalese fishermen spotted over 30 dead bodies. The boat, which left Senegal early last month, was carrying 150 to 200 migrants, including Gambians and Senegalese nationals. It had disappeared from the radar for a month.
Bubacarr Mandela Jatta, who lost a brother, has been waiting for his call, which never came. His nights are restless, haunted by thoughts of the young men and women he used to play football with—those who have now tragically lost their lives in pursuit of a better future.
“When I think of them, it gives me nightmares,” Jatta says somberly. “We’ve lost a lot of young men and women who are the future leaders of tomorrow. It’s a sorrowful time for us in Bakau.”
The coastal town of Bakau is once again in Mourning, grappling with the loss of several promising youngsters who perished while attempting to reach Europe in search of a better life.
In November 2023, numerous youths from Bakau embarked on the dangerous journey known locally as the “Backway.” Among this group were young women and girls who bought a wooden boat, hoping to reach Europe. However, their hopes quickly turned into a nightmare when devastating news broke, revealing that many of these youths had perished at sea.
Jatta, who is closely connected with some victims, describes them as “respectful” youths. Like many in Bakau, he struggles to deal with the immense loss. “We’ve lost so many valuable young men and women,” he lamented.
Momodou Janneh, another concerned youth from Bakau, highlighted the need for increased sensitization efforts to educate young people about the dangers of such perilous journeys.
“We’ve tried to have dialogues with the youth about the risks associated with the journey to Europe, but one of the major factors driving them is that they’ve lost hope in this country,” Janneh said.
He further expressed his disappointment with the government, criticizing their silence in the face of such a devastating tragedy. “I think it’s high time for the government to take bold steps to mitigate this. If not, the future of this country will be really dark. Dark days are already here, and they will get even darker if the government doesn’t take responsibility,” he warned.
The mood in Bakau is somber, particularly at the town’s football park. Although games were still being played, the atmosphere was subdued. As a sign of respect for the lives lost, a minute of silence was observed before matches commenced, and the usual drumming accompanying such events was canceled.
Another resident, Lamin Chox Jatta, emphasized the need for parents to invest in their children’s futures within The Gambia instead of allowing them to risk their lives on deadly sea voyages. “I would advise our parents to invest in their sons and daughters here—in businesses or other ventures—rather than letting them go to the deadly sea,” Jatta said.
Famara Jobe extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, praying for God to grant them Jannah while the entire Bakau community is left reeling from the tragic loss of so many valuable young lives.
As the community grieves, calls for action grow louder. Many urge authorities to create opportunities and hope for their country’s youth to prevent further losses.
