Spain’s PM on West African tour to stem migration flow, signs deals with Mauritania, Gambia

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez agreed with Mauritanian president Mohammed Ould Ghazouani to stem migration flows, as part of a West African tour that will lead him to Gambia and Senegal.

The Canary Islands, located close to the African coast and used as a stepping stone for migrants and refugees trying to reach Europe — has seen more than 22,000 people land on its shores since January, more than double the number of irregular arrivals for the same period last year, according to Spain’s Interior Ministry.

With Mauritania, Sanchez signed deals to expand its circular or seasonal migration program to Mauritanians and renew cooperation between the two nations’ security forces to combat people smuggling and trafficking networks.

“Despite the rhetoric that is growing in Europe, migration is not a problem,” Sánchez said, openly recognizing the need for migrant workers in Spain’s aging society.

On Wednesday, Sanchez signed a similar agreement with Gambia,  establishing a framework for managed migration to Spain, focusing on labor needs and prioritizing young people and women.