The meeting, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad in partnership with International Organization for Migration, brought together a wide range of stakeholders to discuss ways of preventing migrant disappearances and improving support for affected families.

Among those attending the consultation was Lamin Bah, alongside representatives of government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, community leaders and relatives of missing migrants.

Participants discussed challenges faced by families searching for loved ones who disappeared during migration journeys and explored ways of strengthening cooperation between communities, authorities and international partners.

The consultation also focused on improving mechanisms for investigating cases of missing migrants, enhancing information sharing and developing coordinated responses to support affected families.

Organisers said the forum provides an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange experiences and identify practical solutions aimed at reducing migrant disappearances and promoting safer migration pathways.

The regional consultations form part of broader efforts by the Gambian government and its partners to address migration-related challenges while ensuring that families of missing migrants receive timely assistance, information and psychosocial support.

Officials said recommendations from the consultations will help inform future policies and interventions aimed at preventing migrant disappearances and strengthening protection measures for vulnerable migrants and their families.

By Adama Makasuba