The Canary Islands rescue services announced that 1,427 African migrants reached the Spanish archipelago, including on board a boat carrying a record number of 321 people, between Friday evening and Sunday. Migrant arrivals are on the rise.
In a context where the migration crisis in Europe is a recurring topical subject, the Canary Islands are facing a significant increase in arrivals of African migrants in recent weeks. Rescue services said 1,427 migrants landed on the shores of the Spanish archipelago between Friday evening and Sunday, with one boat carrying a record 321 people.
These migrants, coming from sub-Saharan Africa, made the perilous journey aboard small, precarious boats, braving the dangers of crossing from Morocco or Western Sahara, as well as from other West African countries. . Local authorities have reported that the increase is due to destabilization in the Sahel, pushing more people to flee their home countries to seek a better life in Europe.
This situation is putting a strain on the rescue services of the Canary Islands, which are having to cope with a growing wave of migration. Figures from the Spanish Interior Ministry show an almost 80% increase in migrant arrivals to the Canaries compared to the same period the previous year. Between January 1 and October 15, 23,537 migrants were welcomed on the archipelago.
This migration crisis is a reminder of the difficulties that Europe has faced for many years. The migratory route passing through the Canaries has been increasingly used in recent years, particularly due to the strengthening of controls in the Mediterranean. Shipwrecks are unfortunately frequent, endangering the lives of these migrants who are desperately seeking a better life.
It is necessary for the Spanish authorities to find solutions to manage this situation, by strengthening the means of assistance and reception for migrants while working on long-term solutions to contribute to the development of the countries of origin and thus reduce the causes of immigration. A global and united approach is essential to meet this complex and human challenge.
In conclusion, the increase in migrant arrivals in the Canary Islands is a reality that requires appropriate responses from the Spanish authorities and the European Union. It is important to act in a humane and human rights-respecting manner, while working on long-term solutions to address the root causes of immigration.