ABUJA, Nigeria— The ECOWAS Parliament has launched a week-long citizen engagement campaign in The Gambia and Senegal to combat irregular migration and human trafficking across West Africa.
The initiative, which began in Banjul on July 6, will run until July 10 before moving to Dakar from July 13 to 17, targeting young people, returnees and vulnerable communities.
According to the Chief Communication Officer of the ECOWAS Parliament, Uchenna Duru-Nwaotule, the campaign is designed to foster direct engagement between lawmakers and citizens.
“The campaign will bring Members of Parliament into direct interaction with young people, returnees and stakeholders to promote dialogue and develop practical recommendations to curb irregular migration,” he said.
The regional bloc described irregular migration as one of the most pressing socio-economic and security challenges facing West Africa, driven largely by unemployment, poverty and insecurity.
It warned that many migrants are exposed to “human trafficking, forced labour, sexual exploitation and other forms of modern slavery” while attempting dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities.
Held under the slogan, “One Journey, Many Risks. Ask First, Move Safely,” the campaign includes town hall meetings, stakeholder engagements and community outreach programmes.
In The Gambia, activities commenced with a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior and a briefing involving the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons, the International Organization for Migration and other stakeholders.
Community-based engagements are scheduled across Bakau, Brikama and Barra, featuring sensitisation campaigns in local languages, testimonies from returnees and interactive discussions with lawmakers.
A football outreach event tagged “Football for Awareness” is also planned to expand the campaign’s reach among youths.
The Senegal phase will focus on public sensitisation and multi-stakeholder dialogue involving students, youth groups and community organisations in Dakar.
The ECOWAS Parliament said the initiative will leverage traditional and community media platforms, including radio and television, to ensure widespread awareness and participation.
As the representative assembly of ECOWAS member states, the Parliament emphasised that the campaign aligns with its mandate to promote regional cooperation, protect vulnerable populations and strengthen policy responses to migration challenges.
