Departures in pirogues (small boats) from Senegal to the Canary Islands have become a daily occurrence. Over 70 vessels have arrived since the beginning of the summer. The route to the Canary Islands has been in existence since the 1990s but regained popularity in 2019. However, few Africans who embark on this journey are aware of the harsh reality they will face upon arrival. African associations based on these Spanish islands are sounding the alarm.
Upon disembarking in the Canary Islands, prospective migrants undergo a police investigation to determine their country of origin. Some are turned away. Minors, afforded international protection, are placed in special centers. Mame Cheikh Mbaye leads the Federation of African Associations in the Canary Islands and has lived there for 15 years. He explains, “For adults, the quickest way to obtain asylum is through international protection. However, to request international protection, you need solid grounds, as some claim they are in danger without a basis.”
Asylum thus becomes the key to staying in Europe. However, for many of these African migrants, life is challenging in the Canary Islands. Without proper documents, they cannot work, and many lack accommodation. Cheikh Mbaye adds, “There are many, many young people on the streets. They don’t even have a place to sleep. They live in such difficult and harsh conditions. They can stay there for years without documents, and without documents, they cannot legally work. What they don’t realize is that leaving is even more challenging because you lack the documents to take a flight.”
In the past three months alone, over 3,000 people have arrived in the Canary Islands from African shores.