Dear Editor,
The European Union is currently transitioning to a new legal framework for migration and asylum, following the formal adoption of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. This overhaul represents a shift toward centralised control, mandatory processing timelines, and increased enforcement.
Implementation Timeline
Current Phase (Early 2026): Member states are finalizing their National Implementation Plans. This involves drafting domestic legislation, hiring specialised personnel, and upgrading IT infrastructure to align with EU-wide databases.
Go-Live Date (June 12, 2026): The core regulations of the Pact become legally binding and operational across all member states.
Full Integration (Late 2026): The integration of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will complete the digital “ring-fence” around the Schengen Area.
Key pillars of the new system
1. Mandatory Border Procedures
A new, uniform “Screening Regulation” will apply to all non-EU nationals crossing borders irregularly. Within seven days, authorities must conduct:
Identity and security checks.
Health and vulnerability assessments.
Biometric data collection (fingerprints and facial images) for the expanded Eurodac database.
2. Fast-track asylum and returns
Individuals from countries with low asylum recognition rates (typically below 20%) will undergo an accelerated border procedure.
Detention: Applicants will be held in designated facilities near the border to prevent secondary movement into the EU interior.
12-Week Limit: A decision on their right to stay must be made within 12 weeks. If rejected, a “Return Border Procedure” begins immediately to ensure swift deportation.
3. The “solidarity” mechanism
To relieve pressure on “frontline” states (like Italy, Greece, and Spain), the EU has introduced a mandatory but flexible solidarity system:
Relocation: Member states agree to accept a minimum of 30,000 relocated asylum seekers per year.
Financial Contribution: States that decline to relocate individuals must pay a financial contribution—currently set at €20,000 per person—into a common EU fund used for border management and international projects.
4. Externalisation and “return hubs”
A significant shift in policy involves the creation of Return Hubs in non-EU countries.
These centers serve as transit points for individuals who have received a deportation order but cannot be sent immediately to their home country.
The EU is actively negotiating “Migration Partnerships” with third countries to host these facilities and accept deported individuals in exchange for financial aid and visa facilitation.
Operational enforcement
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) is seeing its mandate and budget expanded to support these operations. By mid-2026, the agency aims to have a standing corps of 10,000 officers to assist member states with border surveillance, screening, and the execution of return flights.
Ricky Peters
Demand for accountability: Justice for Ousainou and Amie Bojang
Dear Editor,
On September 15, 2023, the security high command under the leadership of former IGP Abdoulie Sanyang held a high-profile press conference at police headquarters regarding the killing of the PIU officers. During the briefing, they presented elaborate details – correspondence, movements, coordinates, and timelines – which they claimed implicated Ousainou Bojang.
Prior to that, Government Spokesman Ebrima Sankareh appeared on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez to make outlandish claims, labeling Ousainou Bojang a terrorist and a Casamance rebel, among other misrepresentations of an innocent man.
Based on these claims, Ousainou Bojang and his sister Amie were subjected to torture and arbitrary detention for over two years. After falsely accusing them, the state took them to court, piling on baseless charges with false and conflicting testimonies from police officers and Mama Jabbie.
Today, Judge Jaiteh has shattered those false and shameful allegations in broad daylight.
Now, all citizens should demand that former IGP Modou Sowe, Government Spokesman Ebrima Sankareh, and National Security Adviser Sulayman Jeng to immediately convene another press conference to clarify their September 15, 2023 statements. The public deserves to know: were they telling the truth, or were they lying?
An innocent man and woman have been harmed. Our public institutions have been weaponized, in our name. The blatant injustice and abuse inflicted on Ousainou and Amie is an affront to their dignity, their family, and every Gambian.
Our public institutions are not criminal enterprises to be used against our people. Individuals without conscience and integrity must not hold public office only to wield it as a tool to destroy the lives of innocent citizens.
Demand Justice Now!
Madi Jobarteh
Kembujeh
