Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, will begin a three-day visit to West Africa on Tuesday to address the growing issue of migrant arrivals, particularly in the Canary Islands. This visit comes as Spain’s left-wing government faces increasing pressure due to a significant rise in the number of migrants attempting to reach the islands from West Africa.
The Spanish coastguard has been busy almost every day, rescuing boats carrying dozens of African migrants towards the Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa. The increase in migrant arrivals has left the residents of the Canary Islands feeling overlooked by both Madrid and the European Union.
During his visit, Sanchez is scheduled to travel to Mauritania, The Gambia, and Senegal. However, it is uncertain what measures or incentives he might propose, especially to Mauritania, which is the primary departure point for many migrants. This visit marks Sanchez’s second trip to Mauritania in six months, as he seeks to persuade the Mauritanian authorities to strengthen their efforts to prevent migrants from setting sail.
After meeting with Sanchez on Friday, Fernando Clavijo, the regional leader of the Canary Islands, expressed his concern about the escalating situation. Clavijo stated that he believes “over 150,000 refugees” are ready to depart from Mauritania’s coastline, highlighting the urgency of the crisis.
The Canary Islands, along with mainland Spain, are often the first stops for West African migrants who then aim to move further into Europe, with France being a common destination. The number of migrant arrivals has more than doubled over the past year. From January 1 to August 15 of this year, 22,304 migrants reached the Canary Islands, compared to 9,864 during the same period in 2023. This represents an increase of 126 percent, according to the Spanish interior ministry.
Across Spain, the total number of migrant arrivals has also surged, reaching 31,155 by mid-August, up from 18,745 in the same period last year—a rise of 66.2 percent. This trend is expected to continue, especially as autumn brings more favorable weather conditions for the dangerous journey across the Atlantic.
Last year, a record 39,910 migrants arrived in Spain, and the current trend suggests that 2024 could see even higher numbers. The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands has become the primary pathway for migrants, despite the risks involved. Strong ocean currents make this route extremely perilous, resulting in numerous deaths and disappearances each year as migrants attempt the crossing in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats.
In addition to the increase in arrivals to the Canary Islands, southern Spain and the small Spanish enclave of Ceuta have also experienced a surge in migrants from West Africa. One of the major challenges these regions face is dealing with unaccompanied minors who cross the border alone. These minors cannot be legally sent back to their countries of origin, creating a complex issue that has also affected Spain’s internal politics.