Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, has called on leaders of Mali, Senegal and Mauritania to concertedly find ways to address root causes of migration.
He made the statement during a virtual meeting of leaders of The Gambia, Mali, Mauritania and Senegal on Sunday.
According to the statement, the meeting was held to map out ways of tackling migration within the four neighbouring countries.
Tangara pointed out that part of measures critical to addressing migration is mainstreaming the issue in development cooperation.
He emphasized that it is crucial as the continent continues to lose a bulk of its youthful population crucial for the continent’s development.
He said timely and effective regional coordination efforts should be put on the table with a view to fighting irregular migration.
Tangara said serious policies must be developed that would create economic opportunities, increase basic services and strengthen governance and rule of law for the people.
He also calls on development partners to work with regional countries in curbing migration which “continues to affect the labour markets and livelihoods in Africa.”
