Over 100 African Migrants reportedly drown over the coast of Libya near the capital Tripoli while trying to reach Europe according to Libyan Coast Guards. The sad incident occurred on Friday August 23rd, 2014. The migrants who were found off the shores of al-Qarbouli, about 50 kilometers east of Tripoli, were traveling in a boat, which was carrying over 250 migrants. The Libyan coast guards embarked on a rescue mission and were able to rescue 16 people. Small children were reportedly among those who drowned.
The migrants who are mostly African nationals, were hoping to reach Europe. This dangerous African migration of youths which is famously known as the “back way” has claimed several young African lives who are fleeing their nations in search of poverty. Due to high unemployment and lack of economic opportunities in many Africa countries such as the West Africa State of the Gambia, youths are migrating in large numbers to Europe.
This dangerous Journey attract youths because few of them manage to reach Europe and gain employment to help their families back in their countries. Other youths who hopelessly sit around without skills and or jobs, gets frustrated and take the risk to take the back way. Several villages and towns in Gambia reported large number of youths took the back way this year alone. One town in the Central River Division of the Gambia reported 15 youths left the country through the back way this year.
Unfortunately, African governments doesn’t seem to do anything about youth employment. Instead they are urging the youths to stay home but without the incentives to make any economic progress. In Gambia for example, youths are seen in large numbers partying around the Urban areas which are mostly encouraged by the President. Many of these youths were employed as green boys running illegal errands for the government, but as the economy experience more challenges they quit and find other alternatives.
It is quite an embarrassment for African governments to continue to neglect the youths even as the world recognizes the human resources these youths present to the continent. Africa’s economic viability is much talked about because of its youths. Unfortunately, African leaders are busy amassing wealth to enrich themselves while the youths continue to die in massive numbers in search of greener pastures. There is certainly no honor in any African government or leader to boost of economic development while its very important human resources are perishing in the thousands. Building factories, manufacturing and or processing plans could go a long way to employ these youths. For example, the cost of the Gambian President’s airplane alone and or all the millions he uses to fence illegally seized land could be utilized towards youth unemployment. This youth migration is seriously handicapping African economies. Until Africa is able to provide alternative means for their youths such unfortunate carnage will continue.