Spanish premier starts West Africa tour to address migrant flow to country

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has started a West Africa tour to address the increasing migrant flow to his country, local media reported on Tuesday.

The first stop of the tour would be Mauritania, a major hub for migrant boats leaving for Spain.

Sanchez will tell Mauritania’s authorities that they are not alone in dealing with the irregular migration and can count on Spain for help, said the public broadcaster TVE.

Migrant arrivals in Spain in the first half of 2024, increased by 66%, the broadcaster said, adding that arrivals to the Canary Islands from Mauritania have grown much more, by 126%.

There has been an ease in the arrivals on the islands in recent months, but things can get very complicated from fall, the broadcaster reported, citing government sources.

Sanchez will visit Gambia on Wednesday. It will be the first time a Spanish prime minister will be visiting the West African country.

Senegal will be the third stop of the tour where Sanchez will meet the country’s premier and the president as well as well Spanish businessmen in the country.