Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s Diplomatic Visit to Mauritania and Senegal to Address Migration Challenges
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is set to embark on a three-day diplomatic visit to Mauritania, Gambia, and Senegal, beginning Tuesday. This visit underscores his government’s commitment to addressing the rising wave of migration towards the Canary Islands, which has seen a significant uptick in arrivals from West Africa this year.
According to Frontex, the European Union’s border agency, there has been a staggering 154 percent surge in the migration flow from West Africa to the Canary Islands, with a recorded 21,620 individuals making the perilous journey between January and July. This trend reflects a worrying escalation compared to the previous year. The increased influx has strained the resources of the Canary Islands, which frequently serve as a transitory point for migrants en route to other European nations, particularly France.
Fernando Clavijo, the regional leader of the Canary Islands, met with Prime Minister Sanchez and urged European Union member states to share in the responsibility of addressing this migratory challenge, emphasizing that the burden should not fall solely on the Canary Islands.
This marks Sanchez’s second visit to West Africa this year, during which he aims to bolster bilateral relations with Mauritania, a key launching pad for migrant departures, along with Gambia and Senegal. During this trip, Sanchez is expected to establish migration agreements with Mauritania and Gambia, akin to the previous agreement signed with Senegal, thereby facilitating the temporary employment of workers in Spain who will subsequently return to their home countries.
It is noteworthy that nearly 50 percent of newly arrived migrants on the Canary Islands originate from Mali, often making transit through these coastal nations. The exodus of Malian refugees, fleeing decades of violence exacerbated by recent governmental instability and the involvement of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, has led to a humanitarian crisis that continues to worsen.
In response to these challenges, Spanish authorities have been actively engaging in border control efforts throughout West Africa, offering financial and security assistance to key departure areas for migrant vessels. Following the conclusion of the EU military training mission in Mali in May, Spain is reportedly in discussions to restore bilateral cooperation with the Malian government, as confirmed by the Spanish Defence Ministry.
This initiative by Spain reflects a broader strategy to contain and manage migration in collaboration with West African nations, recognizing the need for a coordinated response to the complexities of migration in the region.
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