President Bassirou Diomaye Faye visited Mbour three days after a devastating shipwreck claimed over 125 lives off the Senegalese coast. The president expressed deep grief, stating, “The nation is in mourning, and the situation is unbearable.” He extended his condolences to the affected families and blamed human trafficking networks for the tragedy, which has impacted several Senegalese coastal areas.
Critics of the government’s focus on other issues have voiced frustration. Moussa Diakhaté, a human rights specialist, has long warned of youth unemployment and the dangers it poses. He believes that the administration has failed to deliver on promises to improve job opportunities for young Senegalese, pushing them to seek risky migration.
While government criticism grows, President Faye promised decisive action against the human trafficking networks responsible for this crisis. Nearly 40 bodies have been recovered, with more than 50 people still missing. The community of Mbour is left grappling with grief, as the search for survivors continues amid bleak prospects.
Senegal faces one of its most significant migration crises in recent years, as the tragedy has triggered a nationwide reflection on the role of both traffickers and families in this disaster.