Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Visits West Africa Amid Surge in Migrant Arrivals
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, embarked on a three-day visit to West Africa on Tuesday as his government faces a significant increase in migrant arrivals. This surge has particularly impacted the Canary Islands, prompting calls for greater support from both the Spanish government and the European Union.
Nearly every day, Spain’s coastguard rescues boats carrying dozens of African migrants attempting the perilous journey to the Canary Islands, situated off the northwest coast of Africa. The regional government of the Canary Islands has repeatedly requested more assistance to manage the growing number of arrivals.
During his tour, Sanchez will visit Mauritania, The Gambia, and Senegal—three key countries involved in the migration crisis. It remains unclear what specific incentives Sanchez might offer to these countries, particularly Mauritania, which is a primary departure point for migrants. Estimates suggest there are approximately 200,000 people in Mauritania waiting to embark on the journey to the Canary Islands.
A Growing Crisis in the Canary Islands
Fernando Clavijo, the regional leader of the Canary Islands, met with Sanchez recently and urged the European Union to provide more support. He stressed that the migration issue extends beyond the Canary Islands, as migrants arriving there are ultimately entering Europe. “It’s a pressure for Europe because they are arriving in Europe, in Spain, and not just on the Canary Islands,” Clavijo stated.
The Canary Islands have become a significant transit point for West African migrants aiming to reach France and other European countries. Between January 1 and August 15 this year, 22,304 migrants arrived on the Islands, a 126 percent increase compared to 9,864 in the same period in 2023, according to Spain’s interior ministry. Nationwide, 31,155 migrants have arrived in Spain up to mid-August, a 66.2-percent rise from the previous year. With improved autumn weather, officials expect the numbers to climb even higher.
In 2023, Spain saw a record 39,910 migrant arrivals. However, the current trends suggest that 2024 could set a new record, solidifying the Atlantic route to the Canaries as the primary, albeit dangerous, path for migrants. Clavijo warned that the archipelago is “on the verge of collapse,” predicting that arrivals could reach 50,000 this year. The Atlantic route remains treacherous due to strong currents, leading to thousands of deaths and disappearances each year on overloaded and often unseaworthy boats.
Challenges Beyond the Canary Islands
The migration surge has also affected other regions of Spain, including the enclave of Ceuta on the North African coast. Along with its sister enclave, Melilla, Ceuta has long been a destination for Africans fleeing violence and poverty, seeking entry into the European Union via Africa’s only land border with the EU. The increase in arrivals has intensified pressure on these regions, particularly concerning unaccompanied minors who cross the border alone and cannot be legally deported. The presence of these minors has further complicated Spain’s domestic political landscape.
Government Response and Political Roadblocks
While adult migrants are the responsibility of the central government, unaccompanied minors are cared for by the regional governments where they are housed. Regions like the Canary Islands have been overwhelmed by the influx of minors, with the regional government currently caring for 5,100 foreign minors despite having facilities designed for only 2,000.
To address this issue, Sanchez’s government attempted to push a modification of immigration law through parliament in July, which would have allowed for the redistribution of minors across Spain’s 17 regions. However, the proposal was blocked by opposition from the right-wing Popular Party, the far-right Vox, and the Catalan separatist party JxCat, all of which have taken a hard stance on illegal immigration.
During his meeting with Sanchez, Clavijo secured a renewed commitment of 50 million euros in aid for the Canary Islands—the same amount granted in the previous two years. However, he noted that his administration has already spent 150 million euros this year alone, underscoring the financial strain the migration crisis is placing on regional resources.
As Sanchez continues his diplomatic tour in West Africa, it remains to be seen how these engagements will influence the ongoing migrant crisis and what further measures will be taken to manage the situation effectively.
