Faith Nyasuguta
Spain is preparing to launch a new strategy to redefine its relations with Africa, focusing on West Africa and the Sahel region. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced this move on Wednesday during a three-day tour across West Africa. However, Sanchez did not provide specific details about the strategy, which is expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Sanchez began his tour in Mauritania, where he outlined Spain’s commitment to expanding its circular migration program to Mauritanians. This program aims to facilitate regular migration, allowing migrants to work temporarily in Spain before returning to their home country. In addition, Sanchez pledged to renew security cooperation between Spain and Mauritania, particularly to combat human trafficking and smuggling networks that exploit the region’s migrants.
From Mauritania, Sanchez traveled south to Gambia, marking the first-ever visit by a Spanish prime minister to the small nation of 2.7 million people. In Gambia, Sanchez discussed irregular migration, a pressing issue for both Spain and West African countries. He emphasized Spain’s intention to strengthen its partnership with Gambia in tackling the challenges posed by irregular migration and enhancing bilateral relations in security, economic development, and cultural exchange.
The Spanish Prime Minister will conclude his tour in Senegal, where he plans to meet with the country’s president and prime minister to further discuss these initiatives. Senegal, like Mauritania and Gambia, is a crucial departure point for thousands of migrants attempting the dangerous journey to the Canary Islands, a Spanish territory off the coast of Africa.
The Canary Islands serve as a gateway for migrants hoping to reach mainland Europe. According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, over 22,000 people have arrived on the islands since January 2024, more than double the number recorded in the same period last year.
During a conference in Senegal, Sanchez reiterated his support for “regular migration,” which he sees as an opportunity for growth and development for both the migrants’ countries of origin and Spain.
“I am a strong advocate of regular migration,” Sanchez stated. “It creates opportunities for prosperity, economic growth, and cultural exchange, benefiting both the host and the originating countries.” At the same time, Sanchez stressed that “security is a top priority” and that Spain remains committed to managing migration flows in a safe and orderly manner.
Spain’s focus on West Africa and the Sahel comes amid growing concerns over the increasing numbers of people fleeing conflict and economic hardship in the region. Many migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands come from Mali, where ongoing violence and instability have forced thousands to seek refuge elsewhere. Youth from Senegal, Mauritania, and other West African countries also make up a significant portion of those making the dangerous crossing, driven by hopes of better opportunities abroad.
The rising number of unaccompanied minors arriving in the Canary Islands has particularly alarmed local authorities, who are struggling to provide adequate care and support for these vulnerable migrants. By reinforcing its ties with key West African nations and developing a new strategy, Spain aims to address the root causes of irregular migration, promote security, and foster stronger cooperation in the region.
Through this new approach, Spain hopes to balance its commitment to supporting safe, regular migration routes while enhancing regional security and preventing human trafficking. The new strategy could mark a significant shift in Spain’s foreign policy towards Africa, aiming for deeper engagement with African nations and a stronger collaborative effort to tackle shared challenges.
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