EU commits $226M to aid Mauritania’s migrant flow

European Commission and Mauritania’s president discuss “common roadmap” on migration issues

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday a substantial financial commitment of more than 210 million euro ($226 million) to support Mauritania in managing migrant flows and combating human trafficking. 

The proposed deal aims to address the root causes of migration, provide humanitarian assistance to refugees, and intensify efforts against human traffickers. 

In addition to focusing on migration issues, the agreement seeks to create economic opportunities for Mauritania’s youth.

The surge in individuals transiting through Mauritania on the perilous journey from West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands has raised concerns. Spain’s interior ministry reported that 7,270 migrants on 110 boats reached the Canary Islands’ coasts in January, with over 80% originating from Mauritania. Tragically, around 6,000 migrants lost their lives attempting this journey last year, according to nongovernmental organization Caminando Fronteras.

Von der Leyen’s commitment to supporting Mauritania follows a similar deal struck with Tunisia in July of the previous year, allocating 105 million euros to address smuggling, enhance border management and expedite the return of denied asylum seekers.

Source: Newsroom

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