By Omar Bah
On Tuesday, September 10th, a devastating incident took place when a boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Senegal, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 26 lives. Reports indicate that over 100 individuals were aboard the wooden fishing vessel, and sadly, it sank only 4km (2.5 miles) into its journey.
Families and friends gathered anxiously along the beach, hoping for updates on their loved ones. Although four individuals have been rescued, search and rescue efforts are ongoing. The ill-fated boat had departed from Mbour, located approximately 80km south of the capital, Dakar, with the destination set for Spain’s Canary Islands off the coast of West Africa.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of migrants departing from West Africa via Senegal. Young men seeking to escape conflict, poverty, and unemployment mainly risk the perilous Atlantic journey to reach the Spanish Islands. The authorities have recorded nearly 30,000 arrivals through this route this year. Spain is one of the European countries receiving the most migrants, and the Mediterranean Sea route remains popular. However, many West African migrants opt for the Atlantic Ocean route to the Canary Islands instead.
Despite the significant risks, this route only covers one leg of the journey, rather than requiring travel across the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean. The increase in migrants attempting this crossing led Spain’s prime minister to engage in crisis talks with leaders from three West African countries – Senegal, Mauritania, and The Gambia – during his recent visit. Earlier this year, the EU and Mauritania reached a $227 million deal to enhance border security. Spain played a crucial role in the negotiations in Mauritania, which led to substantial progress.
