A two-day workshop focusing on the role of the media in preventing the illicit trafficking of migrants was held in Saly, Thies region western Senegal end of September. The Interministerial Committee for Combating Irregular Migration (CILMI) workshop served as a reminder of the important role that journalists play in this fight and showcased the progress that Senegal has made in this area with 2,965 interceptions and 39 pirogues stopped in 2025 against 3,606 migrant interceptions and 718 pirogues stopped in 2024. 

This workshop is part of the PROMIS project, led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and supported by the Netherlands. The workshop aimed to enhance the skills of media professionals, equipping them to report on migration issues rigorously and responsibly, and to treat the subject matter with humanity. However, the event primarily provided an opportunity for Dr Modou Diagne, the Permanent Secretary of CILMI, to present a positive evaluation of the actions taken.

Significant statistical data

Dr Diagne presented data illustrating the concrete results achieved. In 2024, Senegal recorded 3,606 migrant interceptions and stopped 718 pirogues. These numbers decreased to 2,965 interceptions and 39 pirogues in 2025.

“One might think that there has been a resurgence, given a few recent high-profile cases, but the statistics show a clear downward trend. This proves that our awareness-raising, monitoring and cooperation efforts are paying off,” he emphasised.

According to the Permanent Secretary of the CILMI, these results are by no means the product of chance, but rather the outcome of collective mobilisation involving the State, security forces, international partners and the media. These groups are gradually establishing themselves as vital links in the chain. Although State figures show progress, Dr Diagne warned that irregular migration does not disappear; it merely shifts. Departures are now more likely to be redirected towards The Gambia, Guinea and Mauritania. “This is why bilateral and subregional cooperation is essential,” he emphasised, recalling that Senegal had signed two cooperation agreements with Mauritania in order to strengthen the fight against irregular migration and human trafficking.

Dr Diagne says that the fight cannot be limited to intercepting boats and arresting migrants. It must be accompanied by concrete measures that offer credible alternatives. “If we fail to block a route, migrants will simply leave from elsewhere. The real solution lies in informing and raising awareness and above all providing opportunities such as training, vocational skills and employment support,” he emphasised.

He also stressed the importance of welcoming and reintegrating returning migrants — a component that is often overlooked yet essential to breaking the cycle of repeated departures.

Expected media role

The Saly workshop is important because it brings together 23 participants, including 17 journalists from print, broadcast and online media outlets in Dakar, Saint-Louis, Mbour and Ziguinchor. During the two-day event, participants will learn about national and international legal frameworks and the fundamental rights of victims. They will also develop practical skills such as online investigation, digital monitoring, fact-checking and communication strategy development.

Dr Diagne believes that collaboration with the media is crucial. “Journalists must be key partners of the State and civil society in order to provide accurate information, protect communities and dispel the misleading narratives of smugglers,” he said.

Despite the progress that has been made, the Permanent Secretary of CILMI noted that irregular migration continues to be associated with tragedy. In his view, the recent arrests of Senegalese nationals in the Canary Islands on charges of committing violent acts against other migrants illustrate the range of risks involved. ‘They are presumed innocent until proven guilty, but this case shows that these crossings expose migrants to much more than the risk of drowning. There is also violence, exploitation and the threat of legal prosecution,” he warned.

Through CILMI and its partners, including UNODC and OHCHR, the Senegalese government intends to maintain these efforts in the long term. While the results achieved by 2025 demonstrate the effectiveness of the prevention and cooperation strategy, the challenge remains regional and constantly evolving. In this struggle, the media emerge as an indispensable ally. They have the power to influence public debate, dispel the illusion of a supposed ‘El Dorado’ and showcase local initiatives, which could play a pivotal role.

“We must continue to inform people, raise awareness and provide solutions. Remember that behind every statistic, there are people exposed to violence, uncertainty and sometimes death,” concluded Dr Diagne.