Spanish PM Visits West Africa to Address Surge in Illegal Migration

Spain’s Prime Minister is taking proactive steps to curb the surge in illegal migration by visiting West African nations, aiming to strengthen cooperation and find sustainable solutions.

On Tuesday, the prime minister of Spain declared a set of accords with Mauritania, a West African country, in efforts to reduce the influx of migrants embarking on perilous Atlantic voyages towards the Canary Islands.

Pedro Sánchez announced during a joint address with Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in Nouakchott that Spain will extend its circular migration program to include Mauritanians, and also reiterated the need for cooperation between security forces of both countries to fight trafficking networks involved in people smuggling.

“Sanchez openly acknowledges the need for migrant workers in Spain’s aging society and states that migration is not an issue.”

He added that there are certain problems related to the need of managing migration in a humane, safe and organized manner for the benefit of our respective societies. Therefore, it is important to push formulas that can address these challenges.

Sánchez is currently undertaking a three-day tour of West Africa in order to strengthen relationships between Mauritania, Gambia and Senegal. These countries are the main source of migrant boats arriving at the Canaries.

Since January, over 22,000 individuals have landed on the shores of the Canary Islands – a Spanish archipelago near Africa that serves as an entry point for migrants and asylum seekers attempting to reach mainland Europe. This figure is more than double the amount of irregular arrivals recorded during this time frame last year, as confirmed by Spain’s Interior Ministry.

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Sánchez stated that Spain used to be a migrant country until recently, with people seeking better lives similar to those who embark on this perilous journey.

Thousands of Malian refugees who are escaping violence and instability in the Sahelian nation, as well as youths from Senegal, Mauritania and other parts of West Africa seeking better job prospects abroad have made their way to the Canaries.

The number of teenagers and children traveling solo to the Canary Islands is on a steady rise, leading to an overload in responsibility for the local government overseeing their welfare.

Authorities in Spain are preparing for an increase in arrivals during the autumn months, as sailing conditions across the perilous Atlantic Ocean between West Africa and the Spanish archipelago become more conducive.

The Spanish leader has visited Mauritania twice this year.

During the month of February, Sánchez made a trip to an impoverished and sparsely populated nation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. During this visit he announced that 210 million euros (equivalent to approximately $235 million) would be provided in order to aid the country’s efforts towards reducing migration rates.

Mauritania, recognized as a symbol of steadiness in the unstable Sahel area, provides refuge to approximately 200,000 Malian migrants at its border.

Expressing gratitude, Sánchez appreciated the cooperation of his Mauritanian counterpart and revealed a forthcoming high-level meeting between Spain and the Islamic Republic in 2025.

On Tuesday, Spain introduced the Spanish-Mauritania business council to enhance investments and unveiled plans for a Cervantes Institute branch in Mauritania aimed at promoting Spanish language and culture. These additions supplement the existing migration and security agreements between the two nations.