Mr Alasana Justice Jallow, CEO of Peace Network, during a radio interview on the “Gambia Today” program with GRTS, emphasized the urgent need to address the issue of irregular migration and deportation with utmost seriousness due to the significant risks it poses to deportees and the country as a whole.
He said: “As Gambians continue to be deported or voluntarily repatriated from North Africa, Europe, the Americas, and other regions without proper reintegration, economic support, and psychosocial assistance, they face profound challenges that not only affect them personally but also have ripple effects on their families, communities, and national stability.”
Mr. Jallow emphasized that the lack of reintegration mechanisms increases the risk of social unrest, crime, and insecurity.
“Deportees and returnees who are left without opportunities or a structured path to rebuild their lives often experience frustration and disillusionment, which can lead to theft, robbery, violent crimes, suicide, and other social vices,” he warns.
He further highlighted the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle the root causes of irregular migration, calling for the Gambian government, private sector, NGOs, and development partners to make concerted efforts to address this phenomenon.
“Economic hardship remains one of the primary drivers of irregular migration,” he said, noting that creating sustainable employment opportunities with competitive wages, good working conditions, and strong incentives is crucial to keeping young people engaged and motivated at home.
CEO Jallow further called for a shift in mindset regarding migration, stating: “It is essential for people to understand that going to Europe or America is not a guaranteed path to success or wealth. Hard work, dedication, focus, and innovation—not just geographical location—are the true determinants of prosperity. Many foreigners migrate to The Gambia and manage to build successful ventures. We, too, must develop a positive outlook and harness the opportunities within our own country.”
To minimise and manage irregular migration and deportation, he proposed several key strategies: “Creating a conducive environment for investment and entrepreneurship, equipping young people with relevant skills and encouraging them to venture into business and self-employment.
It recommends “forging bilateral labour agreements with countries experiencing labour shortages, allowing Gambians to access decent employment opportunities abroad under regulated conditions that uphold their rights and dignity, and Long-term investment in youth development, ensuring that national policies reflect the reality that “youth are the future of the country.”
He further said: “The tragic irony is that while we declare that ‘youths are the future,’ this very future is perishing in the Mediterranean Sea, vanishing in the Sahara Desert, and being imprisoned or labeled as criminals abroad. If we are truly serious about national development, then we must act decisively and invest meaningfully in our youth today.”
He stressed: “To effectively address the challenges of irregular migration and deportation, all stakeholders—the government, politicians, community leaders, religious leaders, NGOs, and the donor community—must unite in a shared commitment to sustainable solutions.
“The government must prioritize job creation, skills development, and youth empowerment by fostering a conducive environment for investment and entrepreneurship. Policies should be designed not only to discourage unsafe migration but also to offer viable alternatives at home. Politicians must rise above rhetoric and champion policies that provide economic opportunities, social protection, and structured reintegration programs for returnees.”
“Community and religious leaders have a pivotal role in reshaping societal perceptions of migration and success. They must encourage young people to pursue local opportunities with resilience, innovation, and determination rather than seeking unrealistic promises abroad.
“NGOs and development partners should work hand in hand with the government to strengthen vocational training programs, psychosocial support services, and reintegration mechanisms. Funding and technical support from the donor community should be directed towards long-term capacity building, ensuring that youths have the skills and resources necessary to thrive in their own country,” he added.
“Ultimately, nation-building is a collective responsibility. If we are truly committed to securing a prosperous and stable Gambia, we must invest in our youth today, create opportunities that empower them, and instill a mindset that values hard work, perseverance, and innovation. The future of our country should not be lost at sea or buried in the sands of the Sahara—it must be built right here at home,” he emphasised.
