Senegal's Government Steps Up Efforts to Assist Migrants
The Senegalese Consulate has announced the commencement of a vital operation aimed at identifying its citizens currently residing in migrant reception centers in Dakhla, a city located in southern Morocco. This initiative is part of a broader effort to facilitate their safe return to Senegal, primarily through a land route crossing Mauritania. The Consul General of Senegal in Dakhla, Babou Sini, confirmed that a consular mission visited the migrant reception center in Bir Kandoz on August 31, to identify Senegalese nationals and provide them with necessary support.
In statements made to the Senegalese Press Agency (APS), Sini indicated that at least 18 Senegalese individuals, including two women and a child, are part of a larger group of 201 migrants who were intercepted by the Moroccan Royal Navy off the coast. Additionally, approximately 251 Senegalese nationals are currently awaiting assistance in the migrant reception centers of Bir Kandoz and Arqoub, as preparations are made for their voluntary return to Senegal.
Regarding the arrangements for their return, Sini noted that the migrants will be transported by land as soon as transit authorization is obtained from the Mauritanian government. Furthermore, Senegalese diplomatic efforts are collaborating with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to explore the possibility of organizing air returns at the earliest opportunity.
This initiative follows the Moroccan Royal Navy's interception of groups of migrants attempting to reach Europe, reflecting ongoing efforts to curb irregular migration across the region. The return of these Senegalese migrants highlights the challenges faced by individuals seeking better opportunities abroad and underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing migration issues.
As reported by tanja7.com.
