Gunjur, The Gambia - GRTS’ Famara Badjie Recounts His Brother’s Tragic “Backway” Journey to Europe
On this day in 2023, GRTS journalist Famara Badjie faced the devastating moment when he learned that his younger brother, L.D., had joined the dangerous “Backway” journey to Europe. The “Backway,” a perilous route taken by thousands of young Africans hoping to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe, has claimed countless lives, including many Gambians.
In his own words, Famara recalls the life-altering moment:
“On this day in October 2023, I picked up my phone and called my brother. After two attempts, there was no response. I called my mum and told her I was calling L.D., but he wasn’t taking it, which is unusual. She told me, ‘I tried to wake him up for Fajr prayer and realise he wasn’t in his room.’”
Worried, Famara reached out to one of L.D.’s close friends, who broke the news that shattered his world:
“I know it’s something you will never like, L.D. joined the boat that left for Spain last night.”
Stunned and in disbelief, Famara paused to absorb what he was hearing. He asked questions to make sense of the situation: who owned the boat, who paid for his brother’s passage, and who else was on board. Yet, the reality began to sink in - his brother had embarked on a journey of no return.
A Shocking Decision
This news came as a complete shock to Famara, especially since just a week earlier, he had been working closely with L.D. to ensure his future. Famara had arranged for his brother’s transfer from Gunjur Senior Secondary School to another school closer to him in Lamin.
But instead of preparing for his education, L.D. had secretly decided to risk his life on the treacherous sea route. His sudden decision to embark on the Backway journey left his family and friends grappling with questions and heartbreak.
“I called back my mum and told her, ‘They said L.D. went on the Backway, but why?’ She said, ‘You honestly know I don’t like anything about this journey. Left to me, no one would embark on such a journey.’”
Gunjur’s Unbearable Losses
Tragically, this wasn’t the first time Gunjur, a coastal town, had faced such a loss. Famara recounts the previous devastating incident, where a boat carrying over 200 people, including 33 Gunjurians, disappeared without a trace. A second boat “Faye Kunda Boat,” which carried around 150 people, including 47 Gunjurians, none of whom have been found.
“But how long shall we continue to allow the ocean to be a cemetery for our young folk?” Famara asks, voicing the frustrations and grief shared by countless families who have lost loved ones to this deadly route.
A Heart Heavy with Grief but Not Guilt
Despite the overwhelming pain of losing his brother, Famara is clear about one thing - his conscience is clear. As a journalist and advocate, he has long campaigned against the Backway journey, raising awareness about its dangers and calling for better opportunities for Gambian youth. His efforts have been acknowledged by international bodies like the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM), The Gambia Press Union, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“I might be sitting with a heavy heart but not a guilty conscience,” Famara states. His work to combat the Backway crisis has been tireless, but the loss of his brother has now made him a direct victim of the tragedy he has fought so hard to prevent.
The loss of L.D. has not only deeply impacted Famara personally but has reignited his resolve to continue his advocacy work. He wants to ensure that no other family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to such a preventable tragedy.
“I’ve felt what it’s like to be an indirect victim before after losing friends and acquaintances. Now, a direct victim after losing my blood brother. I wouldn’t want any family to experience this. The trauma is unbearable.”
A Call for Action
Famara’s account is a sobering reminder of the high cost of irregular migration. As Gambian youths continue to risk their lives in search of better opportunities abroad, the government, civil society, and international partners must strengthen efforts to provide education, employment, and opportunities at home. The loss of L.D. and so many others like him should not be in vain.
Famara Badjie’s story is a poignant call to action, urging all stakeholders to do more to save Gambian youth from the dangers of the Backway and to create a future where no more families lose loved ones to the unforgiving waters of the Mediterranean.
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