The European Union on Wednesday announced a 30-million-euro ($32.6 million) package to prevent irregular migration from Senegal, as scores risk their lives every year in a bid to reach Europe.
Thousands die or disappear departing the West African country on the perilous Atlantic crossing every year, battling strong currents on overloaded and often unseaworthy boats.
“I can announce that in response to a request from the government, the European Union has just approved a 30-million-euro package that contributes to preventing irregular departures and saving Senegalese lives,” European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, told journalists in the capital Dakar.
The funds will be used to strengthen the Senegalese authorities’ capacity to aid migrants at risk and fight migrant smuggling and human trafficking, she said.
They will also be used to raise awareness about dangers of irregular migration, she added.
“Our main message is that we do not wish to see any more tragedies at sea,” she said.
The European Commission already funds a 5.75-million-euro project strengthening the capacity of Senegalese security forces to combat irregular immigration, trafficking and migrant smuggling.
Senegal’s coasts are one of the main departure points for thousands of migrants hoping to reach Europe, many heading for the Spanish Canary Islands.
At least 39 people died when a boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of Senegal in September.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye vowed to “relentlessly track down” migrant traffickers after the tragedy.
Earlier in her visit to Senegal, Urpilainen announced a 25-million-euro grant to contribute to skills development and research in Senegal’s pharmaceutical sector.
“We will continue to create more opportunities for and together with young people in Senegal to build a sustainable and inclusive future,” she said Wednesday.