Sánchez Signs Migration Deals in West Africa

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is on a West African tour to address the surge in irregular migration to the Canary Islands, meeting with leaders in Mauritania, Gambia, and Senegal. In Mauritania, Sánchez signed agreements to enhance cooperation on security and expand seasonal migration programs amidst an alarming increase of over 22,000 migrant arrivals this year, more than double from 2022. He emphasized that migration should be viewed not as a problem but as a necessity for Spain's aging workforce. The tour marks the first visit by a Spanish prime minister to Gambia, where Sánchez discussed legal migration opportunities with President Adama Barrow. Sánchez's approach is framed around managing migration humanely and safely, acknowledging the shared history of migration between Spain and West Africa. The collaboration aims to combat people smuggling and provide better conditions for migrants from the region.