Irregular migration network dismantled in Ziguinchor, over 200 candidates for departure to Spain

The Ziguinchor regional branch of the National Division for Combating Migrant Trafficking and Related Practices DNLT referred several individuals involved in a large irregular migration network to the public prosecutor on April 9, 2026. They are being prosecuted for criminal association, attempted migrant trafficking by sea, complicity, endangering the lives of others, and organized fraud. This operation followed intelligence indicating the imminent preparation of a clandestine departure to Spain. The network, led by a foreign national currently at large, had organized candidates into two groups for a final regrouping before a collective departure planned for April 10, 2026. Nearly 200 people were to embark on a makeshift pirogue, with each candidate paying 400,000 CFA francs for the crossing attempt. Law enforcement officers intercepted several suspects on Boudody beach in the Goumel district of Ziguinchor, with further arrests at the city entrance on the Bignona axis, dismantling part of the network. Police also seized a pirogue intended for migrant transport and two outboard motors. During questioning, the accused admitted their involvement, stating this was their fourth attempt since 2025, with three having failed. According to their statements, 537 migrants were involved in their activities, generating illicit gains estimated at over 213 million CFA francs. The investigation revealed a structured organization with a leader responsible for strategy and finances, an operat