Pedro Sanchez Visits West Africa to Address Migration Surge

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is embarking on a three-day visit to West Africa, focusing on curbing migration to the Canary Islands amid a 154% surge in arrivals this year, with 21,620 migrants making the perilous journey between January and July. Concerns have been raised about the strain on resources in the Canary Islands, which may have to accommodate migrants in military camps or tents as authorities anticipate an additional 150,000 migrants could attempt the crossing in the coming months. Sanchez aims to strengthen relations with Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia, the primary departure points for migrant boats, and plans to sign circular migration agreements to meet labor needs in Spain. Nearly half of the new arrivals are Malians fleeing conflict and economic instability exacerbated by the Russian mercenary group Wagner. The regional leader of the Canary Islands has urged the EU to share the responsibility of managing migration pressures. As the season of calmer weather approaches, the trend of increased migration is expected to continue, raising concerns for both Spain and the broader European Union.