Gunjur, The Gambia - The Gunjur community is mourning the loss of Pa Jola Darboe, a young man from Gunjur Madina Kunkunding who recently died attempting the perilous “backway” journey to mainland Europe.
Pa Darboe’s death is a stark reminder of the harrowing and often fatal journey that young men and women from the Gambia and other parts of West Africa undertake in search of better opportunities abroad. His story is one of both individual tragedy and communal grief, highlighting a crisis that continues to claim lives and devastate families.
Pa Jola Darboe was a beloved figure in Madina Kunkunding. A former student of Gunjur School’s Class of 2012 and a dedicated football coach for the Madina Kunkunding football team, Darboe had earned the respect and affection of many in his community. Friends, former classmates, and players have begun sharing heartfelt tributes and memories, remembering Darboe as a positive presence and a pillar of support. He was known not only for his love of football but also for his skills as a mason. Recently, he had been involved in the construction of a mosque at Gunjur Junior School, contributing his talents to a project that symbolised his commitment to his community and faith.
According to friends, Darboe was last seen a week before his death was confirmed. Like countless others before him, he embarked on the dangerous route to Europe, known locally as the “backway,” crossing the Mediterranean in hopes of reaching a land of opportunity. However, the journey aboard crowded wooden boats often proves treacherous, with harsh conditions, lack of adequate supplies, and unpredictable weather leading to frequent fatalities. For many young people in West Africa, the chance of economic advancement in Europe seems worth the risk, despite awareness of the perilous conditions.
Darboe’s passing has added to the growing list of young lives lost to the backway journey, leaving his family and community grappling with sorrow and anger. His death brings to light the immense pressures faced by young people in Gunjur and across the country. Persistent economic hardship, lack of job opportunities, and limited access to resources drive many to seek a way out, despite the inherent dangers of irregular migration. The lure of a “better life” abroad often feels like the only option, even when the odds are grim.
The pain caused by these losses is felt deeply by families who are left behind, coping not only with grief but with a sense of helplessness. Each life lost at sea underscores the urgent need for sustainable economic opportunities within these communities. Many families argue that if there were more accessible pathways to stability and prosperity, fewer young people would be drawn to such high-risk journeys.
Efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration must become a priority for both local leaders and international partners. Initiatives that create economic growth, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen local job markets are essential in providing alternatives to the dangerous routes taken by young people like Pa Darboe. Additionally, increased awareness campaigns highlighting the risks of irregular migration can help inform potential migrants of the true dangers they may face, although the challenges of economic hardship often overshadow these warnings.
Pa Darboe’s passing has left a void in Madina Kunkunding, not only among his friends and family but across the entire community. His legacy is marked by his kindness, his dedication to his community, and his talents. As Gunjur mourns yet another life cut short, his story serves as both a solemn reminder and a call to action to confront the crisis of irregular migration.
The backway journey continues to claim lives, and until meaningful change occurs, families in Gunjur and beyond will endure the heartbreak of seeing their loved ones lost to the sea, pursuing dreams that might one day be achievable at home.
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