Authorities in the Canary Islands are bracing for a potential surge in African migrant arrivals that could lead to a significant humanitarian crisis. Regional leader Fernando Clavijo warned that up to 150,000 more migrants might reach the islands by the end of the year, adding to the more than 20,000 who have already arrived in 2023.
Clavijo expressed concern over the increasing number of migrants arriving despite challenging sea conditions. “We are seeing mass arrivals in August with bad sea conditions,” Clavijo said after meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. He warned that the situation could become more dire in September, October, and November, citing warnings from aid organizations about the possibility of 150,000 people, many fleeing violence in Mali, preparing to make the dangerous journey across the Atlantic.
The grim forecast comes in the wake of a recent rescue operation near El Hierro Island, where 173 migrants were saved, but unfortunately, one person lost their life during the perilous crossing. This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by those attempting to reach the Canary Islands by sea.
In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Sánchez announced plans for a diplomatic tour of West African countries, including Mauritania, Senegal, and The Gambia, to address the root causes of migration and seek solutions to reduce the flow of migrants. The Prime Minister’s visit aims to strengthen cooperation with these countries and explore ways to manage migration more effectively.
Data from Frontex, the European Union’s border agency, shows a 154% increase in migrant arrivals to the Canary Islands compared to the previous year, with over 21,600 people reaching the islands in the first seven months of 2023 alone. Clavijo emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the Canary Islands “cannot support that pressure alone.” He called for legislative changes to allow for the transfer of unaccompanied minors to mainland Spain, stressing the need for swift action to address the mounting crisis.