Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is set to arrive in Banjul on Wednesday as part of a significant African tour. Apart from The Gambia, the Spanish head of government will be visiting Mauritania, and Senegal amid rising migratory pressures from sub-Saharan Africa and escalating instability in the Sahel region.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will arrive in Banjul on Wednesday, marking the first official visit by a Spanish head of government to The Gambia. Accompanied by Elma Saiz, Spain’s Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, Prime Minister Sánchez aims to reaffirm Spain’s solidarity with the three West African nations in addressing irregular migration.

During his visit, Sánchez is scheduled to meet with Gambian President Adama Barrow. The discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation between Spanish police officers stationed in The Gambia and Gambian security forces. In that regards, Sánchez will observe firsthand the collaborative efforts between Spanish police officers and Gambian security forces in combating irregular migration.

“Our partnership with The Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania is crucial as we navigate the peak season of irregular migration,” stated a spokesperson from Sánchez’s cabinet. The Prime Minister will assure the leaders of continued Spanish support, emphasizing the implementation of comprehensive strategies to manage the migration situation effectively.

Sánchez will highlight the Spanish government’s commitment to utilizing all available instruments to control migratory flows, underscoring ongoing collaboration with Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania. This initiative follows a June visit by Spain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, to The Gambia and Senegal.

During that trip, Albares announced a substantial allocation of 180 million euros for development cooperation over the next four years, focusing on youth and employment to address the root causes of migration.

“As we work together to stabilize the region, Spain remains dedicated to supporting our West African partners through both security cooperation and developmental aid,” Prime Minister Sánchez emphasized. The tour underscores Spain’s proactive approach in tackling migration by addressing both immediate security concerns and long-term developmental challenges in West Africa.

With increasing migratory pressures and instability in the Sahel, Sánchez’s visit represents a pivotal step in strengthening international collaboration to manage migration flows and promote regional stability.