Nouadhibou: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been actively involved in assisting migrants who recently disembarked on the shores of West Africa, including Nouadhibou in Mauritania, and Rosso and Dakar in Senegal. These migrants were rescued from seven boats in distress, which had departed from The Gambia with the intended destination of the Canary Islands. The route is one of the longest migration paths in the world, but the boats became stranded at sea before reaching their destination. According to African Press Organization, MSF medical teams provided emergency medical support to the survivors in collaboration with the Mauritanian Red Crescent in Nouadhibou and the International Organization for Migration in Rosso and Dakar. The migrants were suffering from various medical conditions such as extreme dehydration, unconsciousness, bone fractures, fatigue, and infections due to prolonged time at sea. Among the survivors were 134 women, including a pregnant woman, and 88 minors who require protection. The majority of the survivors originated from Senegal and The Gambia, with others hailing from Mali, Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire. Many reported experiencing violence in their home countries and along the migration route. One survivor in Dakar recounted being beaten by a smuggler and unidentified individuals to extort more money for the crossing. A female survivor shared her ordeal of being raped by a smuggler who had taken her payment before she boarded the boat. Dalil Adji, head of mission for MSF's migration task force in West Africa, emphasized the dire situation faced by these migrants. "When people take a 2,000-kilometre route that is currently the deadliest in the world, they must be escaping something worse," said Adji. He highlighted that many migrants embark on this perilous journey to flee violence and extreme conditions, only to encounter more violence along the way. Adji called on West African and European governments to establish safe and legal pathways for migrants to seek safety. He urged for a mig ration response that prioritizes human life, dignity, and timely assistance. In addition to medical support, MSF teams referred severe cases for specialized care and provided essential supplies such as water, food, blankets, dignity kits, and emergency mental health care. MSF has been assisting distressed migrants from the Atlantic route since 2024, bearing witness to the increasing human toll and vulnerability among those who undertake this journey. Despite the dangers, migrants continue to risk this route due to a lack of alternatives.
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