Spain has taken significant steps to curb illegal migration by signing agreements with Mauritania and The Gambia, aimed at strengthening cooperation against people smuggling and promoting legal migration routes. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez initiated these accords during his tour of West Africa, amid a rise in migrant arrivals to Spain.
On Tuesday, Spain signed a memorandum of understanding on “circular migration” with Mauritania, followed by a similar agreement with The Gambia on Wednesday. These agreements establish a framework for regular migration to Spain based on labor needs, with a particular focus on providing opportunities for young people and women.
As part of his tour, Sanchez arrived in Dakar, Senegal, on Wednesday evening, where he participated in events highlighting Spain’s collaboration projects at the Cervantes Institute. Sanchez emphasised the importance of working closely with West African nations to address common challenges such as peace, security, and sustainable development.
During his earlier stops, Sanchez met with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani and discussed efforts to combat human trafficking. Spain has also emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation against organized crime in the region.
West African countries like Mauritania, The Gambia, and Senegal are key departure points for migrants attempting the dangerous journey across the Atlantic to Spain’s Canary Islands. The perilous route, fraught with strong currents, results in numerous fatalities each year as migrants embark on overcrowded, often unseaworthy vessels.
Spain estimates that around 200,000 people in Mauritania are waiting to make the crossing to the Canaries, further highlighting the urgency of these newly signed agreements.