Senegal human rights group demands government action after deadly sinking

A human rights group in Senegal is calling on the government to launch a parliamentary inquiry after a small boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of the West African country, killing at least 39 people. In a statement, Action for Human Rights and Friendship (ADHA) denounced a “lack of lasting results” to reduce migrant deaths at sea.

“Despite 300 thousand euros [$336,000] announced for the Navy and the training of more than 300 agents, the association denounces the lack of lasting results in the face of the increase in irregular arrivals to the Canaries,” ADHA said. Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye offered condolences and pledged to clamp down on traffickers behind the dangerous journeys.

Initial reports put the death toll at 21, but more bodies were found as emergency services continued search and rescue efforts, raising the number of dead first to 34, then to 39.