Spain’s PM Visits West Africa to Address Surge in Illegal Migration

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced new agreements with Mauritania aimed at curbing the surge in migrants making the perilous journey to the Canary Islands. During his visit to Nouakchott, Sánchez and Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani unveiled plans to expand Spain’s circular migration program and enhance cooperation between the two nations’ security forces to combat people smuggling and trafficking.
Sánchez emphasized the need for managing migration in a humane and orderly fashion, acknowledging both the challenges and the essential role of migrant workers in Spain’s aging society. His visit is part of a broader three-day tour of West Africa, which also includes stops in Gambia and Senegal, key departure points for many of the boats reaching the Canaries.
Since January, over 22,000 migrants have arrived in the Canary Islands, more than double the number from the same period last year. This increase includes many Malian refugees fleeing violence and young people from West Africa seeking better opportunities.
The Spanish government is preparing for an even greater influx this fall, as sailing conditions improve. This marks Sánchez’s second visit to Mauritania this year, following a February trip with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen where they announced €210 million in aid to help curb migration.
In addition to migration and security agreements, the two nations have established a Spanish-Mauritania business council and announced the opening of a Cervantes Institute branch in Mauritania to promote Spanish language and culture.