While irregular migration is not a new phenomenon in Senegal, recent data show encouraging signs. In the first quarter of 2025, 1,946 people were arrested for attempting to reach Europe by sea. Notably, over half of these individuals were foreign nationals transiting through Senegal. During this period, the defence and security forces also seized 32 pirogues and brought 74 suspected smugglers to justice. Compared to the same period in 2024, the number of aborted departures and intercepted boats has fallen significantly. ‘This shows that surveillance efforts are bearing fruit,’ says Dr Modou Diagne, who nevertheless stresses the importance of prevention.
The fight against irregular migration must extend beyond border control, a fact of which the Senegalese government is aware. Alongside maritime and land surveillance operations, it is carrying out awareness-raising and prevention activities at the national level. Above all, the government is focusing on economic and social development to provide viable alternatives for young people and women who are considering leaving the country. Training, professional integration and entrepreneurship programmes are being introduced to create local opportunities and reduce the appeal of illegal migration routes. “Prevention means, first and foremost, giving people prospects. The challenge is to enable our young people to stay in Senegal and build their future here,’ says the Permanent Secretary of CILMI.
The establishment of the Interministerial Committee on Irregular Migration forms part of this process. As a coordinating body, the Committee unites the efforts of all ministries, defence and security forces and technical and financial partners. This cross-cutting approach aims to harmonise efforts and strengthen the effectiveness of interventions.
Beyond the security dimension, the Dakar workshop aims to establish a strategic framework in which prevention, protection and development work together to address this deeply rooted phenomenon. As Modou Diagne points out, “This is not an issue that can be resolved in a few months; it is rather a long-term endeavour.”