Spain signs accords with Mauritania and The Gambia to reduce illegal migration

Spain has signed agreements with Mauritania and The Gambia to strengthen cooperation against people smuggling and promote legal migration, AFP reports, as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez tours West Africa amid a spike in migrant arrivals. The bilateral accords- signed Tuesday with Mauritania and Wednesday with The Gambia- focus on "circular migration," allowing regular entry into Spain based on labor needs, with a focus on young people and women. Sánchez extolled the need for humane, orderly migration management, and combatting human traffickers who exploit migrants. 

The agreements come as Spain faces a surge in migrant arrivals, with over 22,000 reaching the Canary Islands by mid-August, a 126% increase from last year. During his visit, Sánchez also pledged financial support for security initiatives in Mauritania and announced plans for a new Spanish language and cultural institute.

The Prime Minister said Spain would launch a new strategy with Africa in the coming weeks, suggesting that West Africa and the Sahel would be regional priorities.