THIAROYE-SUR-MER, Senegal (AP) — Salamba Ndiaye was 22 when she first tried to get to Spain, dreaming of a career as a real estate agent. Without her parents' knowledge, she made it onto a small fishing boat known as a pirogue, but the Senegalese police intercepted the vessel before it could leave.
A year later Ndiaye tried again, successfully making it off the coast but this time a violent storm forced the boat to stop in Morocco, where Ndiaye and the other passengers were sent back to Senegal.
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THIAROYE-SUR-MER, Senegal (AP) — Salamba Ndiaye was 22 when she first tried to get to Spain, dreaming of a career as a real estate agent. Without her parents' knowledge, she made it onto a small fishing boat known as a pirogue, but the Senegalese police intercepted the vessel before it could leave.
Migrants disembark at the port of "La Estaca" in Valverde at the Canary island of El Hierro, Spain, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, after a thirteen-day voyage by boat from the coast of Senegal. (AP Photo/Maria Ximena)
Migrants disembark at the port of "La Estaca" in Valverde at the Canary island of El Hierro, Spain, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, after a thirteen-day voyage by boat from the coast of Senegal. (AP Photo/Maria Ximena)
Migrants disembark at the port of "La Estaca" in Valverde at the Canary island of El Hierro, Spain, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, after they arrived by boat from a thirteen-day voyage from the coast of Senegal. (AP Photo/Maria Ximena)
Migrants disembark at the port of "La Estaca" in Valverde at the Canary island of El Hierro, Spain, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. Emergency services say migrants arrived by boat after a thirteen-day voyage from the coast of Senegal. (AP Photo/Maria Ximena)
Salamba Ndiaye, center, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, poses for a photo at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year, (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, poses for a photo at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, left, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, speaks with family members in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed in her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, center, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, center, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed in her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, checks her school certificates at her house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year, (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
People lounge at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Migrants leave on artisanal fishing boats known as pirogues and navigate for several days against strong winds and Atlantic currents. While thousands have survived the risky journey, many die or disappear along the way with remains sometimes washing up on the other side of the Atlantic. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Cheikh Gueye, a 46-year-old fisherman who recently tried to migrate to Europe, prays at his family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Migrants leave on artisanal fishing boats known as pirogues and navigate for several days against strong winds and Atlantic currents. While thousands have survived the risky journey, many die or disappear along the way with remains sometimes washing up on the other side of the Atlantic. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Cheikh Gueye, a 46-year-old fisherman who recently tried to migrate to Europe, prays at his family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Migrants leave on artisanal fishing boats known as pirogues and navigate for several days against strong winds and Atlantic currents. While thousands have survived the risky journey, many die or disappear along the way with remains sometimes washing up on the other side of the Atlantic. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Youths wrestle on the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Migrants leave on artisanal fishing boats known as pirogues and navigate for several days against strong winds and Atlantic currents. While thousands have survived the risky journey, many die or disappear along the way with remains sometimes washing up on the other side of the Atlantic. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Youths play soccer on the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Migrants leave on artisanal fishing boats known as pirogues and navigate for several days against strong winds and Atlantic currents. While thousands have survived the risky journey, many die or disappear along the way with remains sometimes washing up on the other side of the Atlantic. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Youths play at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Migrants leave on artisanal fishing boats known as pirogues and navigate for several days against strong winds and Atlantic currents. While thousands have survived the risky journey, many die or disappear along the way with remains sometimes washing up on the other side of the Atlantic. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, poses for a photo at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year, (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, poses for a photo at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, left, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, speaks with family members in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed in her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, center, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, center, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed in her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, checks her school certificates at her house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year, (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Despite her two failed attempts, the 28-year-old is determined to try again. “Right now, if they told me there was a boat going to Spain, I would leave this interview and get on it,” she said.
Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to leave the West African country each year to head to Spain, fleeing poverty and the lack of job opportunities. Most head to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of West Africa, which is used as a stepping stone to continental Europe.
Since the beginning of the year, more than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands, 126% more than the same period last year, according to statistics released by Spain’s Interior Ministry.
While most migrants leaving Senegal are young men, aid workers in the Canary Islands say they are increasingly seeing young women like Ndiaye risk their lives as well.
Earlier this year, the EU signed a 210 million euro deal with Mauritania to stop smugglers from launching boats for Spain. But the deal has had little effect on migrant arrivals for now.
The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will visit Mauritania, Senegal and Gambia this week to tackle irregular migration. The West African nations are the main launching pads for migrants traveling by boat.
The Atlantic route from West Africa to the Canary Islands is one of the deadliest in the world. While there is no accurate death toll because of the lack of information on departures from West Africa, the Spanish migrant rights group Walking Borders estimates the victims are in the thousands this year alone.
Migrant boats that get lost or run into problems often vanish in the Atlantic, with some drifting across the ocean for months until they are found in the Caribbean and Latin America carrying only human remains.
But the danger of the route is not a deterrent for those like Ndiaye, who are desperate to make a better living for themselves and their families in Europe. “Barsa wala Barsakh,” or “Barcelona or die” in Wolof, one of Senegal’s national languages, is a common motto of those who brave the deadly route.
“Even if we stay here, we are in danger,” said Cheikh Gueye, 46, a fisherman from Thiaroye-sur-Mer, the same village on the outskirts of Senegal’s capital that Ndiaye is from.
“If you are sick and you can’t pay for treatment, aren’t you in danger? So, we take our chances, either we get there, or we don’t,” he added.
Gueye also attempted to reach Europe though the Atlantic route but only made it to Morocco following bad weather, and was sent back to Senegal.
Like many inhabitants of Thiaroye-sur-Mer, he used to make a decent living as a fisherman before fish stocks started to deplete a decade ago due to overfishing.
“These big boats have changed things, before even kids could catch some fish here with a net,” Gueye said, pointing at the shallow water.
“Now we have to go more than 50 kilometers out before we find fish and even then we don’t find enough, just a little,” he adds.
Gueye and Ndiaye blame the fishing agreements between Senegal and the European Union and China, which allow foreign industrial trawlers to fish in Senegalese waters. The agreements impose limits on what they can haul in, but monitoring what the large boats from Europe, China and Russia harvest has proven difficult.
Ahead of the Spanish prime minister’s visit to Senegal on Wednesday, Ndiaye’s mother, Fatou Niang, 67, says the Senegalese and Spanish governments should focus on giving young people in the West African country job opportunities to deter them from migrating.
“These kids don’t know anything but the sea, and now the sea has nothing. If you do something for the youth, they won’t leave,” Niang says.
“But if not, well, we can’t make them stay. There’s no work here,” she said.
Associated Press writer Ndeye Sene Mbengue in Dakar, Senegal, contributed to this report.
Follow AP’s coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
Migrants disembark at the port of "La Estaca" in Valverde at the Canary island of El Hierro, Spain, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. Migrants arrived by boat after a thirteen-day voyage from the coast of Senegal. (AP Photo/Maria Ximena)
Migrants disembark at the port of "La Estaca" in Valverde at the Canary island of El Hierro, Spain, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, after a thirteen-day voyage by boat from the coast of Senegal. (AP Photo/Maria Ximena)
Migrants disembark at the port of "La Estaca" in Valverde at the Canary island of El Hierro, Spain, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, after a thirteen-day voyage by boat from the coast of Senegal. (AP Photo/Maria Ximena)
Migrants disembark at the port of "La Estaca" in Valverde at the Canary island of El Hierro, Spain, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, after they arrived by boat from a thirteen-day voyage from the coast of Senegal. (AP Photo/Maria Ximena)
Migrants disembark at the port of "La Estaca" in Valverde at the Canary island of El Hierro, Spain, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. Emergency services say migrants arrived by boat after a thirteen-day voyage from the coast of Senegal. (AP Photo/Maria Ximena)
Salamba Ndiaye, center, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, poses for a photo at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year, (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, poses for a photo at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, left, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, speaks with family members in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed in her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, center, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, center, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed in her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
CORRECTS FAMILY NAME TO NDIAYE - Salamba Ndiaye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, checks her school certificates at her house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year, (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
People lounge at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Migrants leave on artisanal fishing boats known as pirogues and navigate for several days against strong winds and Atlantic currents. While thousands have survived the risky journey, many die or disappear along the way with remains sometimes washing up on the other side of the Atlantic. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Cheikh Gueye, a 46-year-old fisherman who recently tried to migrate to Europe, prays at his family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Migrants leave on artisanal fishing boats known as pirogues and navigate for several days against strong winds and Atlantic currents. While thousands have survived the risky journey, many die or disappear along the way with remains sometimes washing up on the other side of the Atlantic. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Cheikh Gueye, a 46-year-old fisherman who recently tried to migrate to Europe, prays at his family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Migrants leave on artisanal fishing boats known as pirogues and navigate for several days against strong winds and Atlantic currents. While thousands have survived the risky journey, many die or disappear along the way with remains sometimes washing up on the other side of the Atlantic. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Youths wrestle on the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Migrants leave on artisanal fishing boats known as pirogues and navigate for several days against strong winds and Atlantic currents. While thousands have survived the risky journey, many die or disappear along the way with remains sometimes washing up on the other side of the Atlantic. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Youths play soccer on the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Migrants leave on artisanal fishing boats known as pirogues and navigate for several days against strong winds and Atlantic currents. While thousands have survived the risky journey, many die or disappear along the way with remains sometimes washing up on the other side of the Atlantic. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Youths play at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Migrants leave on artisanal fishing boats known as pirogues and navigate for several days against strong winds and Atlantic currents. While thousands have survived the risky journey, many die or disappear along the way with remains sometimes washing up on the other side of the Atlantic. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, poses for a photo at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year, (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, poses for a photo at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, left, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, speaks with family members in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed in her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, center, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed at her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, center, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, is photographed in her family house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year. (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, checks her school certificates at her house in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Salamba is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to flee poverty and the lack of job opportunities in the West African country each year to head to Spain. More than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands from January to mid-August this year, (AP Photo/Annika Hammerschlag)
