Spain and Mauritania Strengthen Ties with New Migration Agreements

Nouakchott, August 27 — In a major step towards managing migration flows from West Africa, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani have announced new agreements aimed at addressing the surge in illegal migration to Spain. This announcement marks the beginning of Sánchez’s three-day tour of West Africa, which also includes visits to Gambia and Senegal.
Key Highlights:

Expansion of Circular Migration Program: Spain is set to extend its circular migration program to include Mauritanians. This initiative is designed to create legal employment opportunities and reduce the incentives for illegal migration.
Enhanced Security Cooperation: The agreements involve a significant boost in security collaboration between Spain and Mauritania to combat human smuggling and trafficking networks. This joint effort aims to disrupt criminal organizations and improve border security.
Prime Minister Sánchez’s Vision: Emphasizing a balanced approach, Sánchez stated, “Despite the growing rhetoric in Europe, migration is not a problem. It is a need that comes with certain challenges. We must pursue solutions that manage migration in a humane, safe, and orderly manner to benefit both our societies.”
Context of Migration: The Canary Islands, a key entry point for migrants seeking to reach Europe, have seen more than 22,000 arrivals this year alone—more than double the number from the same period last year. This influx includes many Malian refugees and young people from various West African nations.
Anticipated Increase: Spanish authorities are preparing for a further increase in arrivals during the autumn, when Atlantic sailing conditions are more favorable. The surge in unaccompanied minors has placed additional pressure on local resources.
Previous Efforts: Earlier this year, Sánchez and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €200 million initiative to enhance job opportunities in Mauritania and tackle smuggling operations. This funding is part of Spain’s broader strategy to manage migration effectively.
Looking Ahead: The effectiveness of these agreements will be reviewed in the coming year, with plans for a high-level meeting between Spanish and Mauritanian officials to assess progress. Sánchez reaffirmed that Africa will remain a central focus of Spain’s foreign policy.

The new agreements signal a commitment to addressing the complex challenges of migration through international collaboration and targeted strategies. This partnership with Mauritania represents a crucial step in Spain’s efforts to manage migration flows while fostering economic and security cooperation in the region.