Senegal human rights group demands government action after deadly sinking

A boat carrying migrants from northern Senegal towards Spain capsized off the coast on Sunday, killing at least 39 people. Senegalese human rights group ADHA called for a parliamentary inquiry, arguing that existing measures have not produced lasting results as migrant journeys to the Canary Islands continue.

The vessel, a pirogue, overturned near the Lompoul dunes, about 180km north of Dakar. One passenger was rescued and several remain missing; the death toll rose from an initial report of 21 as search teams found more bodies. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye offered condolences and pledged action against traffickers. ADHA cited €300,000 in announced Navy funding and training for more than 300 agents, while migrant rights group Walking Borders recorded 635 deaths on the route in the first five months of this year.