At least 21 migrants die as pirogue capsizes off Senegal's Kébémer coast

At least 21 people died after a migrant pirogue capsized off Kébémer in northwest Senegal, the country's interior ministry announced Sunday.

One survivor had been found by the time of the announcement, with search and rescue operations continuing. The ministry said it was paying tribute to the victims and offered condolences to bereaved families.

The government also reaffirmed its "determination to combat people-smuggling networks" and said it would work with neighbouring countries to address the issue.

The United Nations' International Organization for Migration has identified the Atlantic Route as a key pathway for West African migrants attempting to reach Europe. Increased controls at traditional departure points in Senegal, Morocco and Mauritania have pushed some would-be migrants further south, towards countries such as The Gambia. Those alternative departure points can add up to 750 kilometres to the crossing, the IOM said, extending some journeys to approximately 2,200 kilometres and exposing people to longer periods at sea and greater risks of shipwreck.