From The Gambia to the Canary Islands: Ousman’s journey

By Alexandra Sirgant – Gran Canaria

It was in Tenerife, the largest of the eight islands that make up the archipelago, that Ousman first set foot on Canarian soil. Solid ground, finally, after eight perilous days at sea in a pirogue. “Thousands of people leave from over there but never make it here,” says the 38-year-old father. Over there is The Gambia, the “Smiling Coast of Africa,” as Ousman describes it, a nickname due both to its slightly curved shape and the warm character of its people. A cultural cliché that his laughing eyes effortlessly confirm.

Yet Ousman has known hardship. First, he had to leave behind his village in the coastal region of Kombo North, saying goodbye to his wife, Saly, and his two children, Cary, 8, and Youssouf, 2 1/2. But the 4 euros a day he earned as a waiter in a seaside hotel were not enough to live with dignity, and his schooling, which had ended in primary school, made it difficult for him to obtain any qualifications. It was a life he did not want for his children. Aware of the dangers of the crossing, Ousman chose to take only his eldest son, Lamine, who was 13 at the time.

Braving the Atlantic Ocean

In early February 2026, father and son boarded a cahuyo, a wooden boat, along with 156 other people. On board were men, women, and children. Ousman describes the journey in a few words, without dwelling on the extent of the tragedy. He does, however, mention that one of the passengers lost their life just a few hours before reaching their destination, “probably due to the cold.” “By the sixth day, we were so panicked that we were ready to stop on any island we saw along the way.”

It was finally in the night between the seventh and eighth day, at 4 a.m., that Ousman spotted the lights of Tenerife in the distance, along with planes taking off for the neighbouring islands. One image struck him in particular: the large ochre and rocky hills, so characteristic of the archipelago, visible from his makeshift boat. “I come from a country where the landscapes are flat, so seeing hills for the first time was already impressive to me,” he says, recalling the sensation of the arid earth under his feet and the feeling of freedom that accompanied it.

Welcome in Las Palmas

But the journey did not end there. First transferred to Lanzarote, where they stayed for two months, father and his son were then moved to a reception center in Las Palmas, managed by the Cruz Blanca Foundation, a Spanish organization founded in 2004 by Franciscans. In addition to shelter, the center provides medical care and psychological support, as well as legal assistance, Spanish classes, and a nursery for the youngest children. The children and teenagers attend public schools in Las Palmas, the first step in their integration into Spanish society. Lamine’s integration is going well, and Ousman is delighted. Although his son knew no Spanish six months ago, it is now he who corrects Ousman’s mistakes.

For those who wish, spiritual support is also available. “These people arrive deeply affected psychologically and spiritually,” explains Brother Jahir Falon, general coordinator of all the Cruz Blanca Foundation centers. “Their spirituality involves a lot of pain and suffering. Our mission is to listen to them and give them our full attention.” This attention includes ensuring the practice of their faith, whatever it may be. Residents can attend Mass in nearby churches or celebrate Ramadan at the center.

The Pope’s visit: A source of comfort

Ousman himself is Muslim. This does not diminish the joy he felt after seeing the Pope on June 11 at the port of Arguineguín, accompanied by hundreds of other migrants helped by the centre. “We share the same faith, faith in humanity,” the Gambian says. “It doesn’t matter if we are white or black, the same blood flows in our veins. And it is the same red blood that flows when we are injured, so we can all live together. This is written in the Bible and also in the Quran.”

In his speech to migrants and representatives of charitable organizations, Pope Leo XIV insisted on the need to implement “serious processes of reception and integration.” Thanks to the work of the Franciscan foundation, Ousman’s path, and that of his son, seem to be on the right track. In a few days, the pair will travel to the city of Burgos, in the north of Spain, to take the next step in their regularization process. The former waiter says he is ready to work in any sector. “I would like the Pope to know that we are not here to disrupt the community, but to develop together and take the nation further, together.”

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However, at the thought of soon leaving the center, the place that has welcomed him for the past four months, a few tears unexpectedly well up in Ousman’s mischievous eyes. While he knows it is time to open a new chapter in the long journey ahead, The Gambian highlights the hospitality of the residents and workers at the center. “We have become a family,” he explains.

Around his neck, a thin gray chain holds a silver ring, a gift from his mother to protect him from misfortune. Traditionally, it is worn on the finger, but Ousman has chosen to wear it prominently on his chest as a form of protection. The pendant will accompany him on the next leg of his journey to the mainland.