On September 2, 2025, the Interministerial Committee for the Fight against Irregular Migration (CILMI), in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation, organized a workshop in Dakar aimed at aligning the operational action plan of the National Strategy for the Fight against Irregular Migration (SNLMI) with Vision Senegal 2050. This meeting brought together representatives of ministries, defense and security forces, technical and financial partners, as well as civil society actors.

A strategy aligned with long-term objectives

Adopted in July 2023, the SNLMI is structured around five axes: prevention and awareness-raising, crackdown on smuggling networks, border management, migrant protection, and return and reintegration. "Today, the goal is to move from a three-year plan to a five-year plan to ensure continuity of action over five years," explained Dr. Modou Diagne, Comptroller General of Police and Permanent Secretary of CILMI. This alignment aims to integrate the fight against irregular migration into the objectives of Vision Senegal 2050, with the ambition of drastically reducing the phenomenon by 2035. "Irregular migration is a long-standing challenge, which cannot be solved with a magic wand," he added.

Encouraging results, but persistent challenges

In the first quarter of 2025, defense and security forces arrested 1,946 people attempting to set sail, the majority of whom were foreigners using Senegal as a departure point. Furthermore, 32 pirogues were seized and 74 suspects brought to justice, marking progress in dismantling smuggling networks. "The increased surveillance of the coasts is beginning to bear fruit," Dr. Diagne emphasized, while stressing the need to go beyond the security aspect.

Prevention and economic alternatives

CILMI places particular emphasis on prevention, recognizing that poverty and unemployment are the main drivers of irregular migration. “It is not enough to monitor borders. We must offer young people and women credible alternatives to build a future in Senegal,” said Dr. Diagne. Income-generating economic programs are thus being deployed to create viable prospects and reduce the appeal of exile.

A territorial and inclusive approach

The workshop also highlighted the territorialization of the strategy, with the establishment of regional and departmental committees to adapt actions to local realities. These structures, already active, collect data and conduct awareness campaigns to involve communities in prevention. This approach is part of Vision Senegal 2050, which aims for inclusive and equitable development across the country.