By Abdoulie John
Omar Amadou Jallow (OJ) of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has added his voice to the chorus of indignation over the tragic death of more than 60 young Gambians off Mauritania coast. PPP’s emblematic figure urged government to take drastic measures against smugglers who continue to spread a spectacle of desolation across the West African subregion.
“It is high for government to embark on cracking down the smugglers and traffickers,” OJ told this medium in a exclusive interview.
Up to 63 people died when their boat capsized off Mauritania. The sad news that was broke out by international news outlets has left the entire nation under deep shock, prompting many people to call on Gambian authorities to clampdown on smugglers and traffickers who appeared to be only pursuing their personal gains.
Omar Amadou Jallow said there is an urgent need to put a halt to their activity. “This is not only illegal, but also treasonable!” he warned while indicating that a good number of Gambians have lost their lives in attempting to chase their dreams in the European citadel.
Reports from UN migration agency have, between 2014 and 2018, nearly 40,000 Gambians were able to the shores of Canary Islands, after surmounting great dangers at sea.
“Gambians are losing,” he deplored. “Our young people are dying at sea and in the desert, posing a real threat to the country’s future.”
Meanwhile, President Adama Barrow announced Saturday that gov’t is going to launch a full investigation into circumstances surrounding the death of dozens of young Gambians along Mauritanian coasts.
“To lose 60 young lives at sea is a national tragedy and a matter of grave concern to my government. A full investigation has been launched to get to the bottom of this serious national disaster,” he said in a televised address.
The Gambian leader further stated that the strong hope of our new found democracy should be dampened by the activities of unscrupulous people.
“We want our youth to stay in the country and exploit the economic potentials available to them at home,” he added.
Ends