Senegalese migrants, frustrated by failed attempts to reach Europe, are turning to a novel route: flying to Nicaragua and then traveling overland to the U.S.-Mexico border. Gueva Ba, a former welder, exemplifies this trend.
After multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach Europe by boat, Ba used the Nicaragua route in 2023, paying a hefty sum for flights and facing deportation after two months in the U.S.
This surge in Senegalese migration is part of a larger phenomenon.
Border arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border have reached record highs, with a significant increase in people from distant countries.
Social media plays a key role in facilitating these journeys. Platforms like WhatsApp and TikTok are used to share information about routes, travel agents, and successful migration stories.
The Nicaragua route specifically gained traction in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, in 2023.
Travel agents saw a surge in demand, selling tickets to Nicaragua for several thousand dollars each. Abdoulaye Doucouré, a travel agent, attributes this rise to the power of social media.
Senegalese migrants learned about the route through online networks and the experiences of earlier travelers.
While some Senegalese migrants cite political instability as a motivating factor, the primary driver appears to be the spread of information through social media. This trend is not limited to Senegal.
Other West African nations, traditionally focused on migration to Europe, are also witnessing an increase in U.S.-bound migration, fueled by social media platforms.
The long-term fate of these migrants remains uncertain, with many entering a backlogged U.S. asylum system.
