Spain's Prime Minister has initiated a three-day tour of West Africa in response to the escalating number of individuals undertaking perilous boat journeys across the Atlantic to the Canary Islands. The Spanish archipelago, serving as a gateway for migrants and refugees seeking entry into continental Europe, has witnessed over 22,000 arrivals since January, marking a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
The Prime Minister's visit encompasses Mauritania, Gambia, and Senegal, key departure points for smugglers launching overcrowded boats. Among the migrants are Malian refugees escaping conflict, as well as young people from Senegal, Mauritania, and other West African nations pursuing better economic prospects abroad.
