Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares continues his first official parliamentary corridor visit, stopping in Morocco, Senegal, and Mauritania. The discussion centers on migration management, especially after the sharp rise in cayucos arrivals to the Canary Islands. Both sides expressed a shared goal: orderly, safe migration. Albares stressed that Spain and Senegal are aligned in promoting a humane and organized migration framework after talks with Senegalese counterpart Ismaïla Madior Fall and President Macky Sall.
We renewed our commitment to urgent needs in the fight against mafias, the minister stated. He highlighted the sustained effort by Spain and Senegal and praised the cooperation with Spanish authorities in tackling trafficking networks. The visit also provided an opportunity to observe on-the-ground collaboration between the National Police and the Civil Guard and Senegalese authorities at the Dakar port, aimed at preventing boats from departing and saving lives. Albares underscored that these measures are essential for protecting human life.
Social and political crisis
During a stop in Rabat, Albares attributed the increase in ferry and boat trips to The Canary Islands to broader regional instability in the Sahel. He underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement as a tool to address the root causes of irregular migration. Senegal has faced notable social and political turmoil in recent months, including large protests following the sentencing of dissidents. Ousmane Sonko has faced charges he describes as a political trap aimed at curbing his political career. The ruling and the ensuing demonstrations triggered a wave of responses from authorities, including arrests of protesters.
This year brought a record influx to the Canary Islands, with official tallies approaching 37,000 arrivals by sea, including a substantial number of cayucos. In comparison, last year’s totals were already high, and 2006’s figures are often cited in discussions of the region’s migration crisis. The escalation is linked to the broader social and political unrest that characterizes the Sahel region. The situation is also tied to issues of resource exhaustion in maritime zones, where overfishing by international fleets has strained local fishing communities, particularly in Senegalese waters, drawing condemnation from NGOs and advocacy groups in recent years.
Job interview
Albares held a round of meetings with Spanish business leaders in Senegal. He conveyed a clear message: Spanish companies should expand their presence in the country. He urged local authorities to create favorable conditions for investment and commerce and assured the businessmen of Spain’s support for a broader application of their efforts. The minister emphasized a mutual commitment to stronger economic ties and responsible investment that contributes to development and job creation in Senegal.
As the trip progressed, Albares completed his initial official tour following the formation of the new government and proceeded to Mauritania. In parallel with the diplomatic itinerary, he engaged in high-level conversations with his counterparts in Ukraine and Moldova by phone. He urged both nations to begin EU accession talks and offered to back their endeavors throughout the process, signaling Spain’s readiness to support enlargement moves and associated governance reforms.