Senegal Roundup: Kidney transplant, migration, prostitution ring

Migration

Senegal intercepted over 400 migrants in two days, primarily from Gambia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea. This highlights the ongoing challenge of irregular migration from West Africa, despite government changes. According to APA News, at least 25 migrants died when their boat capsized off the coast of Nouakchott, Mauritania. The Senegalese navy continues to work to curb the flow of migrants.

Colonial troops honoured

France has honoured colonial troops massacred by the French army in Senegal during World War II. The soldiers were shot at the Thiaroye camp after demanding bonuses and equal treatment with French soldiers. Six soldiers have been posthumously honoured and remembered for their sacrifice. The decision to remember the riflemen was taken on 18 June before a meeting between President Macron and the new Senegalese President, RFI reported. The move has been praised as a big step and a salutary decision by historians and associations.

Prostitution ring

A Nigerian couple was arrested in Dakar, Senegal for running a prostitution ring. They brought young girls from Nigeria and forced them into prostitution to repay travel expenses. Six Nigerians, including the couple, have been charged with human trafficking and pimping. According to Business Insider Africa, the operation led to the rescue of several young women. Human trafficking is prohibited in Senegal, with offenders facing imprisonment. Child sex trafficking in West Africa is among the highest in the world.

Kidney transplant

Senegalese military hospital has performed a successful fourth kidney transplant, offering hope to kidney failure patients in the country. Collaboration with university hospitals and Turkish specialists has advanced the field of health in Senegal, where kidney failure affects 5% of the population. The government has made dialysis treatment free in public facilities, but demand continues to grow, APA News reports.

Arab Poetry Forum

Senegal hosted the third Arab Poetry Forum in collaboration with the Senegal Literary Club, featuring 13 poets. The event, under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, focused on strengthening cultural ties between the Arab world and Africa. The forum included poetry sessions, a critical seminar, and readings covering themes of identity, belonging, and cultural coexistence, Emirates News Agency indicated.