Most migrants from West Africa are fleeing conflict, poverty and lack of jobs, often heading to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of West Africa that serves as a springboard to continental Europe.

The tragedy of West African migrants seeking to reach Europe via the Atlantic highlights a major humanitarian crisis. These mass departures are explained by conflict, persistent poverty and a lack of economic opportunities in their countries of origin, particularly Senegal and Gambia.

With more than 22,300 people arriving in the Canary Islands this year, an increase of 126% compared to last year, the situation continues to worsen. However, the Atlantic route remains one of the deadliest, with thousands of victims according to NGOs such as Walking Borders.

These dramatic figures underline the urgency of a stronger international response, not only to provide humanitarian assistance, but also to address root causes, such as conflict and socio-economic instability in countries of origin.