By Omar Bah
On Wednesday, August 28, the governments of Spain and The Gambia entered a bilateral memorandum of understanding regarding “circular migration.” The memorandum establishes a framework for the orderly entry of individuals into Spain based on labor necessities, focusing on young people and women.
Both countries have also pledged to promote “safe, orderly, and regular migration.” Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain emphasized the significance of closely collaborating with The Gambia on peace, security, sustainable development, and inclusive and resilient growth. Spain is dedicated to strengthening its ties with Africa, especially in West Africa and the Sahel, and is committed to contributing to peace and stability in the region. Additionally, the two countries aim to facilitate the upcoming summit between the African and European Union to reinforce the relationship between the two organizations.
The agreement also sheds light on the challenges migrants encounter when attempting to reach the Canary Islands from Africa. Spain estimates that approximately 200,000 individuals in Mauritania are awaiting the opportunity to make the journey. The influx of migrants to the Canary Islands has seen a significant rise, with 22,304 migrants arriving between January 1 and August 15, representing a 126 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. Furthermore, the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that at least 4,857 people have lost their lives or gone missing while attempting to reach the Canary Islands since 2014. These figures underscore the importance of cooperation between Spain and African nations in addressing migration and anti-trafficking concerns.
