Spain praises Mauritania for cutting migration to Canaries

Spain commended Mauritania for reducing irregular migration to the Canary Islands, with arrivals dropping 32.5% year-on-year in early 2025—the steepest decline since 2023. The EU-backed partnership, including joint patrols and Frontex surveillance, helped cut illegal crossings via Mauritania by 46.1%. However, rights groups warn the crackdown risks migrant abuses, urging policies that balance border security with humanitarian protections.