Africa-Press – Gambia. Lamin J. Darboe, the leader and secretary general of the National Unity Party, has called on the Gambian government to initiate a nationwide dialogue on irregular migration, widely known as the “back way,” and to pursue legislative measures that safeguard citizens while upholding constitutional rights.
Mr. Darboe said the drivers of migration among Gambian youth are varied, ranging from economic necessity to personal ambition. He emphasized the need for a more nuanced public discussion that incorporates multiple perspectives.“The government should organize a conversation around it—bringing together its own perspective and those of the young people who undertake these journeys—to see whether we can better understand each other and arrive at a common position,” he said.
He also drew a distinction between human trafficking and voluntary migration, arguing that the two should not be conflated under the law. While trafficking is illegal under Gambian statutes, he said, voluntary departure does not meet the same legal threshold.
“If you prosecute someone under trafficking laws when the matter concerns voluntary departure from The Gambia, it cannot be considered trafficking,” he said.
Mr. Darboe warned that misapplying existing laws could lead to wrongful prosecutions and weaken the integrity of the judicial process. He urged lawmakers to ensure that any new legislation aligns with constitutional provisions.
“The government has to think carefully,” he said. “A judicial officer, whether a magistrate or a judge, is bound to assess such matters objectively within the framework of the law. It would be very difficult to secure convictions under those circumstances.”
