In Togo and many other West African countries, many young people dream of a better future in Europe or elsewhere. Confronted with unemployment, job insecurity and daily hardships, some see leaving – regardless of the cost – as their only option. However, despite being driven by hope, irregular migration remains one of the most dangerous paths. The enticing promises and images shared on social media often conceal a much harsher reality.

The majority of young migrants are seeking stable employment, hoping to support their families, pursue higher education or escape insecurity and social instability. 

Today, social media plays a significant role in fuelling these aspirations, often portraying migration as a guaranteed path to success. In response, awareness campaigns like #MigrationMeans led by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) aim to highlight the realities of migration and inform young people about the risks and challenges they may face.

Irregular migration poses significant dangers. Many migrants undertaking irregular journeys face life-threatening situations,.

Scams – Many young migrants fall victim to fake travel agents or unscrupulous smugglers who offer false visas, forged documents or fictitious job opportunities and accommodation, for exorbitant fees. These so-called “guaranteed” trips often end in abandonment, leaving migrants stranded and vulnerable.

It is crucial to verify the legitimacy of any travel agency and to be extremely cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.

The desert, a silent death trap

Every year, thousands of young migrants vanish without a trace in the vast Sahara Desert. 

The main dangers include extreme dehydration, unbearable heat, abandonment by smugglers and attacks by bandits or armed groups.

A report by Border Forensics emphasises that migrants left behind in the  Sahara Desert have very little chance of survival, making this journey one of the most perilous stages of irregular migration.

Violence and abuse along the migration route

In Libya and other transit countries, many migrants face extreme violence and exploitation: abductions, torture and sexual assault are tragically common. Migrants are often forced into unpaid labour, sold to traffickers or detained illegally and held for ransom.

According to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), migrants passing through Libya may be imprisoned, raped, tortured or kidnapped by traffickers and smugglers demanding payments from their families.

Key facts

Migration is a human right but it must be legal, well-planned and safe. Social media often highlights only success stories, rarely showing the suffering behind the journey. The irregular route is long, dangerous, and too often fatal. No one should lose their life for a dream pursued without preparation or reliable information.

Here is what to  do before embarking on the journey: Get informed! 

Contact trusted sources such as embassies or reputable organisations like the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) or Caritas for further information on the routes.

Explore local and legal alternatives

Initiatives such as the Fonds d’Appui aux Initiatives Economiques des Jeunes (FAEJ) and the Agence nationale du volontariat au Togo (ANVT) offer real opportunities for young Togolese, focusing on entrepreneurship, skills development, and innovation.

Africa’s youth are full of energy, ideas and the drive for a better future. That future can be built here or elsewhere, as long as it is based on informed, safe and realistic choices. Leaving is a right. But risking your life for an illusion is an avoidable tragedy. Let’s get informed, prepare ourselves and move forward with clarity and purpose.