Disappearance of migrant boats bound for Spain: Greenpeace Africa expresses its sympathies to those affected and highlights the impact of the neo-colonial exploitation of African resources.

Dakar, 11 July 2023 – A spokesperson for Greenpeace Africa has expressed the organization’s deep sadness and outrage after boats that departed from Senegal went missing. Spanish rescue services rescued 86 people on Monday but are continuing to search for a fishing vessel that left Kafountine, Senegal, on 23 June that was carrying as many as 200 people, as well as a second vessel that could be carrying approximately another 30 people.

Due to the scale of neo-colonial extraction and exploitation of Africa’s resources, some young people from the continent, deprived of work and means of subsistence, are taking extreme risks in order to make a better life for themselves. The anarchic and irresponsible exploitation of natural resources in Africa, often by foreign companies, has devastating consequences for local communities, the environment and marine ecosystems in particular. Foreign industrial trawlers and fishmeal industries are particularly problematic, as they destroy the environment, deplete fish stocks, deprive artisanal fishermen of their livelihoods and contribute to the economic distress that drives many people to take huge risks on perilous journeys in search of a better life.

Dr Aliou Ba, head of Greenpeace Africa’s oceans campaign said: 

“This is terribly worrying news and we offer our deepest condolences to the families of those on board these vessels. 

“The unsustainable exploitation of Africa’s marine and terrestrial resources is often facilitated by unfair agreements and neo-colonial practices. These patterns of exploitation exacerbate socio-economic inequalities, driving many people to despair and emigration. And Europe’s borders make this situation terribly dangerous. 

“Too many young Africans have disappeared in this way. It is high time for these neo-colonial practices to stop, and for African authorities to urgently develop sustainable development policies capable of creating hope and lasting jobs that can stop this hemorrhage.”

Media contacts:

Amagor Robert NIANG
Media and Communication officer Greenpeace Afrique 
[email protected] , +221771834049

Richard Power Sayeed,
international communication Greenpeace Africa
[email protected] 

[email protected]