The Backway

According to the International Organization of Migration (IOM), over 5,000 migrants lost their lives in 2014 and 2015 making the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean from Libya to start a new life in Europe. This journey which spans from The Gambia across several African nations and finally through Libya and across the Mediterranean to Italy is commonly known in The Gambia as the “Back Way”. The purpose of this book is to give the reader an understanding of the current migrant crisis; the worst since world war II. The true story is that of a young man named Omar from The Gambia who decided to embark on this “Back Way” journey to Europe in search of greener pastures. Have no doubt that upon reading this book you may never take anything for granted again. The ultimate aim of this book is that the reader will be able to save lives by educating friends, family members and the community especially the at-risk populations about the dangers of the “Back Way”.