Spain's Renewed Focus on Sahel Amid Migrant Crisis

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is focusing on West Africa to curb migration to the Canary Islands and counter the Russian presence in the Sahel. The West African migration route saw a 154% surge this year. Spain aims to strengthen ties with Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia while discussing bilateral military aid with Mali.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez begins his second visit this year to West Africa, targeting to curb migration to the Canary Islands and counter Russian influence in the Sahel region.

A 154% surge in West African migration routes has been recorded this year, with 21,620 individuals making the crossing to the Canary Islands in the first seven months, straining local resources.

Sanchez is looking to bolster relations with Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia—the primary departure points for migrants—while considering bilateral military aid with Mali. Spain is urging the EU and NATO for a stronger focus on the Sahel region following the EU military mission's closure in Mali last May.

(With inputs from agencies.)