Spain’s Prime Minister visits Senegal to address migration issues

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez concluded a tour of West Africa, meeting with Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to address the pressing issue of irregular migration to Spain's Canary Islands. The leaders signed agreements aimed at creating temporary work opportunities for Senegalese nationals in Spain and enhancing vocational training within Senegal. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat the root causes of migration, which has seen a significant increase in recent months. The tour also included visits to Mauritania and Gambia, where Sánchez announced similar agreements to provide temporary work opportunities and strengthen cooperation against people smuggling networks. The Canary Islands have become a primary destination for migrants, with over 22,000 arrivals reported since January, a stark increase compared to the previous year. Many of these migrants are fleeing violence and instability in their home countries, particularly Mali and Senegal. President Faye expressed concern over the mass departures of migrants from Senegal, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that addresses both repressive measures and the underlying causes of migration. The agreements signed will facilitate circular migration programs, allowing selected Senegalese workers to work in Spain for limited periods, thus promoting regulated migration. Despite these efforts, some migrant rights organizations have raised concerns about the effectiveness of vocational training initiatives, arguing that the real issue lies in the lack of job opportunities in Senegal. Sánchez reiterated his commitment to regular migration, highlighting the dangers posed by people-smuggling networks and their connections to organized crime.