DAKAR, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese defense and security forces intercepted 5,192 individuals attempting to illegally migrate to Europe last year, Modou Diagne, permanent secretary of the Senegalese Interministerial Committee to Combat Irregular Migration (CILMI), said here on Tuesday.
Among those intercepted, 407 were handed over to the judiciary, Diagne revealed during a national roundtable on public policies aimed at combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
In addition, the bodies of 105 irregular migrants were recovered following the capsizing of several boats attempting to reach Spain's Canary Islands.
Established in 2024, the CILMI is responsible for coordinating the efforts of all relevant ministries and institutions involved in combating irregular migration, border control, and implementing legal, circular, and labor migration policies.
The committee includes representatives from about 20 ministries, as well as leaders of institutions, defense and security forces, civil society, technical and financial partners, and the private sector.
