Spain Supports Mauritania in Securing Borders Amid Rising Migration

The Spanish Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, has reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to supporting Mauritania in its efforts to control and secure its borders.

During a two-day visit to Mauritania, Minister Robles met with her counterpart, Hanen Ould Sidi, at the Ministry of Defense in Nouakchott to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation between the two defense ministries.

The security situation in the Sahel region was a key topic of discussion, with Minister Ould Sidi highlighting the deteriorating security, social, and economic conditions in the region. He warned that this situation poses a threat to global, regional, and continental security and peace.

The influx of refugees to Mauritania has reached a critical threshold, with the country facing intensified pressure from illegal immigrants seeking to cross into Spain. This situation has significant economic, social, and security implications for the host regions.

Mauritania is seeking to strengthen its cooperation with Spain and Europe to address the challenges of safe, orderly, and regular migration. The two countries have enjoyed a significant development in their relations in recent times, with numerous visits and agreements.

Mauritania: A Key Departure Point for Migrants to the Canary Islands

According to Spanish media reports, Mauritania has become the primary departure point for wooden boats arriving in the Canary Islands, with a likely increase in migration flows after the summer months.

The West African country is facing immense migration pressure, having received over 150,000 displaced people, according to European Union figures. There is no indication that the flow of migrants to Mauritania has slowed down.

In Spain, the number of migrants arriving by land and sea has increased by 66.2% from the beginning of the year to mid-August, from 18,745 to 31,155, according to the Ministry of the Interior.