The arrival of Senegalese cayucos to the Canary Islands continues to trickle, despite the fact that in recent weeks the migratory crisis plaguing the archipelago seemed to have abated. Since the night of December 24, six cayucos have arrived – yesterday afternoon another was located 150 kilometers from the mainland – with a total of 354 migrants. An unexpected rebound by the authorities, which is explained – in part – by the good seas of recent days, according to Maritime Rescue sources.
The Government expected an end to the year and, above all, a January without any problems on the Canary Islands route, after the conversations with the Senegalese authorities. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, traveled to Dakar after visiting Morocco, another essential partner to fight against irregular immigration. But above all, hope is placed in the elections that Senegal holds in February. The presence – or not – of Frontex on the Senegalese coasts will enter the electoral debate. While this issue is being resolved, police sources assure that Senegal will try to carry out tighter control of its coasts during this time, in order to avoid the headlines in which its young compatriots die at sea while fleeing the country. According to the latest arrivals, they are not achieving it.
Yesterday, a total of 72 immigrants traveling in four boats in the waters of the Balearic Islands were also rescued. Specifically, the boats were located in the middle of the sea in Cabrera, Mallorca and Formentera. So far this year, the arrival of 106 boats with 1,906 immigrants to the Balearic Islands has been detected, according to Efe's count.
In 2022, 174 irregular vessels with 2,579 occupants were located, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior.
