Devendra Kumar
A recent surge of migrants from sub-Saharan countries has flooded into Spain’s Canary Islands, with over 1,000 people arriving on 18 boats over the past three days. The emergency has highlighted the dangers of the perilous journey, as a body was found in one of the vessels. January marked a notable month for migrant arrivals, with 7,270 people reaching the islands, a figure comparable to the first six months of 2023.
The Canary Islands, located off northwest Africa, have seen a significant increase in migrant arrivals in recent weeks, as people from West Africa attempt to reach the Spanish archipelago. Most of these boats depart from Mauritania, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are scheduled to visit the West African country to press authorities to take measures to curb the departures.
Spain and the European Union have cooperation agreements with both Mauritania and Senegal aimed at reducing the number of migrants arriving on the islands. However, many young people continue to take their chances, driven by a perceived lack of opportunities and sometimes political instability at home.
The Spanish Interior Ministry has reported a record 55,618 migrants arrived by boat last year, nearly double the number from the previous year. The staggering number of fatalities is a particularly troubling aspect of this crisis, with non-profit organization Caminando Fronteras estimating that more than 6,600 migrants died while attempting to reach Spain by boat last year, the majority on the Atlantic route. This figure represents a significant increase from the previous year, based on statistics compiled from families of migrants and rescue data.
As the Spanish Prime Minister and European Commission President visit Mauritania, the pressing humanitarian crisis must be addressed with urgency. The influx of migrants continues, and the number of fatalities remains alarmingly high. The European Union’s efforts to address the issue are under scrutiny, and it is crucial to find a solution to this crisis to avoid further tragedy and humanitarian disaster. The fate of thousands of people hangs in the balance, and it is imperative to take immediate action to address the root causes of this crisis.