Migration toll soars off West Africa in 2024
A devastating toll on human life was recorded along migration routes from West Africa to Spain in 2024, with nearly 10,000 migrants lost at sea while attempting to reach the Canary Islands. According to the aid organization Caminando Fronteras, this marks the deadliest year on record for these migration routes.
The organization's "Monitoring the Right to Life 2024" report documented 10,457 deaths across various routes between Africa and Spain from January to mid-December, with the Atlantic route accounting for 9,757 deaths. Mauritania emerged as the primary departure point, resulting in 6,829 deaths, while routes from Senegal and Gambia claimed 2,127 lives.
Despite significant European Union investments in countries of origin and diplomatic efforts—including a visit by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Mauritania—migration numbers continued to rise. Spanish authorities reported over 57,738 migrants reaching Spain by boat in 2024, with additional arrivals continuing through year's end, including more than 500 on Christmas Day.
Helena Maleno, founder of Caminando Fronteras, attributes the high death toll to EU deterrence policies that force migrants onto more dangerous routes. The organization's report criticizes the "omission of the duty to rescue" and prioritization of migration control over human life.
The crisis has sparked political tension in Spain, particularly regarding the relocation of underage migrants from the Canary Islands to mainland regions. While the Socialist-led government seeks solutions through regional negotiations, far-right groups oppose discussions on irregular migration.
Caminando Fronteras, which has monitored these routes since 2002, maintains a hotline for vessels in distress and works with families and authorities to track migration patterns and assist those in danger.
