African Solidarity For Action (ASFA) Saturday held a rally as part of its sensitisation campaign against illegal migration at the Buffer Zone in Tallinding.

The campaign is part of the aims and objectives of the organisation which was established in 2006. Members of the organisation have been in close contact with youth organisations, parents, community leaders and elders to ensure an effective campaign against illegal migration, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, crime , HIV/AIDS etc.

Speaking at the occasion, Adama Mbye, coordinator of ASFA said the organisation is calling on every individual to actively participate in the fight against illegal migration. He said that the young people should be made to realise that illegal migration is a deadly journey and it is high time parents open dialogue with their children over the issue. He added that the campaign is primarily intended to help youths, and to engage in fruitful dialogue with the young people of the present and future generations.

For his part, Abdou Cham, deputising the chief Fire Service officer, said their job is to rescue people about to drown in the river or in the ocean. He noted that the boats Africans are using to  migrate don’t have life jackets or navigation equipments, and stressed that migrating to Europe the backway is not the best solution to unemployment. Essa Sarr, who stood in for the director of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) Ibrahim Bun Sanneh, spoke at length on drug abuse, saying it is a big problem. He called on all and sundry to be vigilant in ensuring that the youths don’t involve themselves in drug abuse and other illegal acts.

Also addressing the gathering, Commissioner Sanneh, deputising the director general of Immigration said that illegal migration is a concern for everybody because it affects the youths who are the future leaders. He stated that his Department is doing everything possible to combat it. Sanneh disclosed that his  Department has identified twelve points of departure along the coast and that officers have been assigned to closely monitor these points. He urged other youth organisations to emulate ASFA in order to complement the efforts of the Immigration Department.

Lamin K Saidy, representing the executive secretary of the National Youth Council, said it is often said that the young people are the future leaders  also the present leaders. According to him, the youths are the most productive people in the country. Other speakers included Abdoulie Jatta, Adama Leigh, Baboucarr Jatta, and Alfusainey Jarjue. Satang Dumbuya, the president of ASFA delivered the vote of thanks