By Omar Bah
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has called for increased European support to address instability in the Sahel. This plea came as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez concluded his visit to West Africa. The Sahel region, specifically Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has been grappling with jihadist violence and has experienced multiple coups since 2020.
The military leaders in these countries have distanced themselves from the West African bloc ECOWAS and formed their confederation. Faye, appointed by ECOWAS to facilitate negotiations with these states, emphasized the need for more excellent European assistance and highlighted the interconnected security interests of Africa and Europe. He made these remarks during a joint press conference with Sanchez.
Sanchez commended Senegal’s mediation efforts in the Sahel, stressing the region’s strategic importance for Spain and expressing a desire to contribute to its stability and prosperity.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have cut ties with former colonial power France and have expelled French troops fighting jihadists. Instead, they have turned to what they consider their “sincere partners,” namely Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
Sanchez’s visit to Senegal marked the last leg of his three-day West African tour, which focused on addressing the surge in irregular migrant arrivals from the region. During his tour, Spain signed “circular migration” agreements with Mauritania and The Gambia, establishing a framework for regular entry into Spain based on labor needs. Senegal already had a migration agreement with Spain aimed at regularizing arrivals.
Sanchez announced the signing of a new accord with Dakar, covering new economic sectors and training programs for Senegalese individuals settling in Spain. Notably, Senegal is a significant departure point for thousands of Africans attempting the perilous Atlantic route each year to reach Europe, primarily through Spain’s Canary Islands. The Senegalese army recently conducted a rescue operation off the Moroccan coast, rescuing 41 migrants, including 28 Malians, 12 Senegalese, and one Ivorian.
