Nouakchott, Mauritania – Mauritania’s EU-backed deal to curb irregular migration appears to be having an initial impact, with around 13,000 migrants from Mauritania reaching Spain’s Canary Islands by the end of September, reportedly more than half of the total arrivals for 2024. This development underscores the shifting dynamics of West African migration routes and the evolving cooperation between the EU and Sahel countries on border control.
The EU-Mauritania deal, which includes a commitment of €210 million to support Mauritania’s efforts to manage migration, has been instrumental in Mauritania’s increased efforts to intercept migrants. According to reports, Mauritania has intensified its role in intercepting migrants, with over 30,000 interceptions in 2025. The funding aims to enhance border management, combat people smuggling and human trafficking, and improve the protection of migrants. The deal also seeks to promote regular migration channels for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, and invest in job creation and infrastructure in Mauritania.
Experts point out that the deal is part of a broader strategy by the EU to manage migration flows, particularly as migration routes have shifted due to increased restrictions in the Mediterranean. The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands has become more active as a result. Mauritania, hosting a significant number of refugees mainly from Mali, is seen as a key partner for the EU in managing these migration flows. However, some experts remain skeptical about the long-term effectiveness of the deal in stopping migration, citing concerns that it may not address the root causes of migration.
The EU’s efforts to stem migration through this deal are showing some initial effects, but the long-term success and potential consequences are still being debated. As migration continues to be a pressing issue for both the EU and Mauritania, the effectiveness of their cooperation will be closely watched. Reports indicate that the number of migrants intercepted by Mauritania has increased significantly, suggesting that the deal is having some impact on migration patterns.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the EU-Mauritania deal will achieve its objectives of reducing irregular migration and promoting regular migration channels. The deal’s success will depend on various factors, including the effective implementation of the funding and the cooperation between the EU and Mauritania on border management and migration policies.
Source: Africa
