President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, calls for strengthened EU-Mauritania cooperation to address migration and human trafficking. Clavijo’s visit included discussions on the growing transit of migrants through Mauritania, the introduction of the Tierra Firme project aimed at providing youth opportunities, and recognizing Mauritania’s role in the migration crises, highlighting the need for a more involved EU approach. He notes the urgency for resources and collaboration to create sustainable solutions, especially against the backdrop of rising migration issues.
Fernando Clavijo, the President of the Canary Islands, has urged the European Union to enhance collaboration with Mauritania to tackle the migration crisis and combat human trafficking. During his visit to Mauritania, Clavijo met with President Mohamed Ahmed Ould, recognizing his help in addressing human trafficking and better coastal monitoring. He emphasized the need for the EU to deepen development initiatives in Mauritania, noting that instability in the Sahel region significantly influences increasing migration.
Clavijo asserted that successful migration management relies on cooperation with the originating countries in West Africa. “They need resources and collaboration to generate opportunities here, because if we insist on building walls and creating barriers we are not understanding anything of what is happening,” he stated. He also highlighted a disparity between the EU’s approach and the new Trump Administration’s stance on migration, advocating for a need to communicate and understand local contexts.
The president aimed to discuss the Atlantic migration route, particularly the rising number of migrants traveling from West Africa to Europe. Clavijo pointed out that the Canary Islands and Mauritania are vital transit points for many fleeing conflict and hardship. He expressed gratitude to Mauritania for collaborating with Spain to prevent illegal departures and praised the country’s efforts against human trafficking, an area where he believes the EU’s support is lacking.
During his trip, Clavijo introduced the Tierra Firme project, aimed at providing opportunities for African youth to deter perilous migration attempts. He intends to meet Mauritania’s Minister for Vocational Training to discuss the project’s expansion in the country, including visits to vocational training centers. This initiative is part of Clavijo’s broader goal to boost job prospects for young people in Africa.
Clavijo’s visit marks the third by a Canary Islands president to Mauritania and comes amidst a significant migration crisis affecting the archipelago. With over 86,000 migrants arriving in the past two years, the urgency for effective solutions has grown. Mauritania is primarily a transit country, as 54% of canoes reaching the Canary Islands originate from there, although only a minimal percentage of the migrants are citizens of Mauritania.
In summary, President Fernando Clavijo of the Canary Islands emphasizes the necessity for enhanced cooperation between Europe and Mauritania to address the ongoing migration crisis effectively. His visit reinforces the critical importance of understanding local contexts, providing resources for youth, and emphasizing the need for integrated strategies that prioritize collaboration over isolation. The urgent call for action highlights a comprehensive approach to tackling the multifaceted issues surrounding irregular migration from West Africa to Europe.
Original Source: www.atalayar.com
