Spain’s Migration Crisis: PM Sanchez Heads to West Africa as Canary Islands Feel the Brunt of Record Arrivals
As Spain grapples with a surge in migrant arrivals, particularly in the Canary Islands, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is set to embark on a three-day trip to West Africa. The visit comes as the Spanish coastguard rescues dozens of African migrants daily, with the Atlantic archipelago feeling increasingly neglected by both Madrid and Brussels.
Sanchez will visit Mauritania, The Gambia, and Senegal, but it remains unclear what incentives he can offer to encourage authorities to prevent migrants from embarking on their journeys. The Canary Islands’ regional leader, Fernando Clavijo, warns that over 150,000 refugees are prepared to depart from Mauritania’s coastline.
Migrant arrivals in the Canary Islands have more than doubled in the past year, with 22,304 arrivals recorded from January 1 to August 15. This trend is expected to continue, with historical data indicating that autumn’s better weather conditions will lead to even more crossings. The Atlantic route to the Canaries has become the main pathway for migrants, despite its hazardous nature, resulting in numerous deaths and disappearances each year.
Southern Spain has also seen an increase in arrivals, including in the enclave of Ceuta, which has experienced a significant influx of new arrivals from West Africa. The presence of unaccompanied minors who cross borders alone and cannot be legally returned has become a major challenge, impacting Spain’s internal politics.
