Spain and Mauritania agree deals to stem flow of illegal migrants

RFI

28 August 2024 at 5:50 am·1-min read

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani announced a series of agreements on Wednesday aimed at stemming a surge in migrants venturing across the Atlantic Ocean to the Canary Islands.

The move came at the start of Sanchez's three-day tour of West Africa to bolster relations with Mauritania, Gambia and Senegal where the vast majority of boats begin their journeys towards Spain.

Speaking alongside Ghazouani, Sanchez said Spain will expand its circular migration programme to Mauritanians and renew cooperation between Spanish and Mauritanian security services to combat people smuggling and trafficking networks.

“Despite the rhetoric that is growing in Europe, migration is not a problem,” Sanchez said.

“It is a need that involves certain problems and for this we must push formulas that allow us to manage the phenomenon of migration in a humane, safe and orderly way, to benefit our respective societies.”

Stepping stone

The Canary Islands, which are located close to the African coast, are used as a stepping stone for migrants and refugees trying to reach Europe.

More than 22,000 people have landed on the islands since January, more than double the number of irregular arrivals for the same period last year, according to Spain’s interior ministry.

“Until not long ago Spain was also a country of migrants ... they aspired to better lives, much like those who take great risks and take on this dangerous adventure,” Sanchez added.

“Africa will continue being a priority for Spain's foreign policy,” Sanchez added.

(with newswires)

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Stepping stone

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