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European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson praised the deal which includes USD 230 million for Mauritania to manage migration and crack down on people smugglers. The route from Mauritania to the Canary Islands is one of the deadliest and most dangerous tracks, which is often used by human traffickers to help migrants cross the sea.
Mauritania and the European Union signed a migration deal recently. Mauritania is struggling to contain a surge in migrants embarking on the dangerous journey across the Atlantic Ocean to Spain’s Canary Islands.
European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson praised the deal which includes USD 230 million for Mauritania to manage migration and crack down on people smugglers. The route from Mauritania to the Canary Islands is one of the deadliest and most dangerous tracks, which is often used by human traffickers to help migrants cross the sea.
Spain says nearly 12,000 migrants and refugees have reached its Atlantic Ocean islands, located some 100 kilometers off the coast of Africa, in the first two months of the year. Men die or disappear along the way. According to the deal signed with the EU, Mauritania will not receive migrants, nor lodge them under this common agreement. This assurance was given by Mauritania’s Minister for the Economy and Sustainable Development, Abdessalam Ould Mohamed Saleh.
Spain has for years deployed national police and civil guards in Mauritania to help local authorities stop migrants from the country and other nearby nations from leaving on the perilous journey. At least 191 migrants have been reported dead or missing so far in 2024 trying to reach the Canary Islands. However, many feel that it is an undercount since collating information on migrants is a difficult task, which the international agencies are looking to revamp.
The launch of the partnership follows President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to the country in February when the President announced the mobilization of EUR 210 million for Mauritania. President von der Leyen said the European Union and Mauritania must step up to create more opportunities for young people. The funding will support migration management including the fight against migrant smuggling, as well as promote security and stability, humanitarian aid for refugees, and support to host communities. It will also support Global Gateway initiatives, including investments, infrastructures, and job creation primarily in the field of energy.
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The Commission will work together with Mauritanian counterparts to implement the Joint Declaration. The EU and Mauritania will set up an Action Plan to ensure coordination and guide operational cooperation under the Joint Declaration. Mauritania is a strategic partner of the EU. The EU-Mauritania overall partnership has been strengthened over the past years. This is a solid partnership covering all aspects of investments, climate, youth, and socio-economic development. It is based on political dialogue, economic and trade relations, and cooperation covering many areas including migration.
