By Lamin Fadera, December 30, 2023
In recent years, an increasing number of Gambian football players have embarked on the treacherous back-way journey to Europe, driven by the harsh realities of limited opportunities and economic hardships in their homeland, the so-called Smiling Coast. This perilous exodus, undertaken through irregular routes, has resulted in heart-wrenching outcomes, leaving families shattered and communities grappling with the impact of lives lost at sea and in the unforgiving desert.
2023 would indeed be a year that most Gambians would want to forget, but is unforgettable. The final three months of 2023 have indeed rocked the nation; with the tragic and unfortunate loss of hundreds of Gambian youths, as boats from coastal towns such as Kartong, Bakau, Bafuloto, and Gunjur have either gone missing or capsised, marking a somber national tragedy that continues to unfold with devastating consequences.
The Catalyst: Lack of Remuneration
At the core of this exodus lies a systemic issue—the absence of proper remuneration within the Gambian league. Players, the heartbeat of the sport, find themselves grappling for basic allowances, as clubs like the Gambia Port Authority, and most clubs struggle to meet their financial obligations. This harsh reality serves as a catalyst, propelling players towards a desperate quest for greener pastures.
“We were not paid for two months, some players decided not to come to training last season,” An anonymous source told this reporter.
Human Cost: Personal Chronicles
Lamin Gibba, a sports journalist, experienced the tragedy firsthand as he lost his brother, Ansumana Gibba, during the journey to Europe. Ansumana played for the Gambia Armed Forces, before he embarked on the risky journey on October 21, 2023, along with five other players. Two of them, including Ansumana, tragically lost their lives at sea before they could reach the shores of Spain.
Lamin Gibba recounts the last time he saw his brother at Tabokoto when Ansumana and his colleagues decided to search for new opportunities. Unbeknownst to Lamin, this journey marked the end for Ansumana, leaving an indescribable void in their family.
“We receive the news of Ansumana’s death and two of his colleagues in November. The entire family was shocked, he left a big space in our family. His other friend who was lucky to survive told us that a day before they reached Spain, Ansumana died in the boat,” Lamin said.
Female Player Binta Jallow’s and Anfaal
The emotional toll extends beyond gender, as female footballer Binta Jallow of the Gambia Police Force stands among the tragic casualties. She was among the 41 people who died in a boat that left Jambur village.
Even prominent supporters, like Anfaal from Steve Biko FC, have become victims of this dangerous journey; he was among the 21 youths who died at sea before reaching Europe. After the confirmation of his demise, the club released a statement expressing deep sadness, commemorating Anfaal’s love for the team and mourning his untimely death.
The Survivor’s Tale: Ebrima Drammeh’s Migration Situation
Ebrima Drammeh, a social commentator on migration, tried the journey multiple times before realising his dream of reaching Europe in 2014. For the past seven years, he has been reporting on migration-related issues. Despite working for a Ferry Company in Malta, Drammeh faces the challenging and demanding task of providing updates to anxious families waiting to hear about their loved ones’ journeys.
Drammeh shared his challenges, stating, “I do have a lot of challenges because a lot of people depend on me to give them updates regarding boats that arrived in Spain, Malta, and Italy or missing boats as well. Sometimes I do receive more than 100 calls and messages, it does take two or three days before I reply to some of their messages or calls. There was a time, I wanted to quit because it was very hectic for me.”
Despite the immense challenges he faces, Ebrima remains a fundamental part of a dedicated network of individuals focused on migration issues in Spain, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Italy, and various other countries. This network plays a vital role in providing reliable information to the public. Ebrima, in his role, has reported on the tragic deaths of numerous Gambian youths who embarked on this journey to Europe, including the passing of former Armed Forces player Ansumana Gibba.
The Stark Statistics of Gambian Migrants in 2023
Collaborating with Drammeh, we gathered data on Gambian migrants who attempted the dangerous journey in 2023:
- Lives lost at sea: 221
- Lives lost on land in different countries: 36
- Boats departing from Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya for Spain and Italy: 139
- Gambians successfully reaching Europe: 16,984
In Senegal, 88 Gambians went missing after they joined a boat that left Mbour on the 30th and 31st of October 2023 and on the 6th of September 2023.
Tragic Departures: Boats and Lives Lost
Boats departing from the Gambia and reaching Europe have recorded numerous tragic incidents. Notable among them are departures from Kartong, Bakau, Bafuloto, and Somita, each marked by lives lost at sea. One devastating event on October 14 saw 190 lives lost after a boat sank in the Mediterranean Sea. Local authorities from The Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco intercepted over 1,584 people, including local football players.
For a more comprehensive overview, feel free to check the rest of the details in the table below.
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