(Contribution) - Illegal emigration: Saving youth or losing them at sea (By Demba Talibé Mbaye)

The recent images from Ceuta, showing hundreds of young people attempting to cross the barriers at the risk of their lives, have once again highlighted the scale of the migration crisis plaguing our continent. Behind these dramatic scenes lies a darker reality: shattered lives, grieving families, and a generation that seems to have no other option than exile, even at the cost of death.

In Senegal, illegal emigration is no longer simply a social phenomenon. It has become a true national tragedy. Every year, hundreds of young people disappear in the waters of the Atlantic, swallowed by a sea that has become a silent graveyard. These repeated tragedies can no longer be considered isolated incidents. They reflect a deep, structural crisis that demands an urgent, comprehensive, and lasting response.

Why do these young people take such risks? The answer lies in a combination of economic, social, and psychological factors. Senegal is a predominantly young country, with more than half of its population under 35. Yet, this youth faces massive unemployment, estimated at nearly 35%. Added to this is a glaring lack of vocational training adapted to the realities of the job market. Many young people, lacking qualifications or opportunities, find themselves trapped in a dead end.

This feeling of abandonment and lack of prospects fuels a powerful migratory fantasy. Europe is perceived as a land of opportunity, an Eldorado accessible to those who dare to brave the dangers. But this illusion clashes with a brutal reality: exploitation, precariousness, rejection, and, for many, death at sea. The events in Ceuta perfectly illustrate this collective despair that drives an entire generation of young people to attempt the impossible.

Faced with this situation, a change of approach is imperative. Repression and awareness campaigns, while useful, are not enough. The real solution lies in creating concrete economic opportunities at the local level. We must give Senegalese youth a reason to believe in their future in their own country.

This begins with the development of promising and accessible sectors. Agriculture, neglected for too long, offers immense potential. Modernized and structured, it can become a genuine engine of employment. In this regard, the establishment of agricultural cooperatives is a relevant solution. By bringing young people together within economic interest groups (EIGs), it becomes possible to pool resources, improve productivity, and facilitate access to markets.

This collective model also allows young people to become full-fledged economic players. They are no longer simply job seekers, but entrepreneurs capable of creating value. However, for this strategy to succeed, the State must play its full role.

It is essential to make developed agricultural land available, provide legal support to Economic Interest Groups (EIGs), and facilitate access to financing. Organizations such as the DER (Delegation for Rural Development) and the ANPEJ (National Agency for Youth Employment) must be more actively involved in supporting these initiatives. Furthermore, ongoing technical guidance is crucial to ensure the viability of the projects. In some cases, the establishment of a temporary minimum income could provide security for young people during the start-up phase of their businesses.

Beyond agriculture, other sectors offer promising prospects. Fishing and livestock farming, if modernized and better organized, can generate thousands of jobs. Crafts, meanwhile, represent a cultural and economic wealth that remains largely untapped. With improved access to international markets, particularly European ones, they could become a genuine driver of growth.

New technologies and digital tools also represent a major opportunity. They enable the creation of innovative jobs, open up new markets, and connect young Senegalese people to the rest of the world. Investing in digital training is therefore essential to preparing young people for the challenges of tomorrow.

Furthermore, the issue of migration needs to be rethought in its entirety. Emigration should not be demonized, but rather managed. Legal, regulated, and safe migration can be an opportunity, provided that workers' rights are respected and their return contributes to national development. It is therefore crucial to establish mechanisms for monitoring and supporting Senegalese citizens abroad.

Finally, the fight against illegal immigration cannot succeed without collective mobilization. Families, communities, opinion leaders, and international partners must be involved. This is a national struggle that requires widespread awareness.

Saving Senegal's youth means offering them real, dignified, and lasting prospects. Otherwise, we will continue to helplessly witness their mass exodus and tragic loss at sea. The choice is clear: invest in the future here, or mourn our children elsewhere.

Demba Talibé Mbaye

Expert - Consultant

Spain