By Omar Bah
Germany-based Gambian migration activist Yahya Sonko has called upon the National Assembly to thoroughly review the recent migration agreement signed between The Gambia and Spain.
Spain recently concluded a bilateral memorandum of understanding on “circular migration” with The Gambia, prompting Mr. Sonko to stress the urgent need for the National Assembly to ensure the transparent and accountable implementation of the agreement.
Mr. Sonko emphasized the citizens’ right to be fully informed about any agreement that could significantly impact their lives and livelihoods. He urged the parliament to demand a clear explanation of the deal’s specifics, including its execution and the measures in place to safeguard the interests of Gambian citizens, especially the youth. Additionally, he raised concerns about undocumented Gambians in Spain who fear potential mass deportations, similar to a previous deal signed between The Gambia and the European Union in 2017.
In 2017, The Gambia collaborated with the European Union under the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), which aimed to tackle the root causes of irregular migration by creating job opportunities and income prospects for the country’s youth. Despite substantial financial support, the results have been disappointing, with reports indicating an increase in Gambian youths perishing while attempting to migrate to Europe. This disappointment should drive our determination to ensure the success of any future agreements. Mr. Sonko highlighted a surge in unsafe boat journeys from Gambian shores to Spain and emphasized that unemployment rates remain high despite the investments made in the YEP.
