The main objective of Sanchez’s tour is to strengthen cooperation with these countries in the fight against irregular migration.
This visit comes at a time when Spain is facing a significant increase in the arrival of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. According to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, 31,155 migrants had arrived in Spain by 15 August, an increase of 66% compared to the same period last year. This trend is particularly worrying in the Canary Islands.
In Mauritania, in north-west Africa, Pedro Sánchez will meet President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazaouani. Eight months after his previous visit to the country, the purpose of this meeting will be, according to RTVE, Spain’s national television channel, to ratify cooperation agreements aimed at improving the fight against irregular migration.
In Senegal, Pedro Sánchez will have the opportunity to meet the new president Bassirou Diomaye Faye. During his last visit in April 2021, he discussed with former president Macky Sall the reactivation of repatriations of Senegalese migrants who had arrived illegally in the Canary Islands.
agenda’ for Senegal.
Finally, Pedro Sánchez will also visit Banjul, The Gambia, another country heavily affected by irregular migration.
AC/fss/as/APA