The prime minister of Spain has begun a three-day tour of west Africa as his country struggles to contain the number of people making the perilous voyage by boat to the Canary Islands.
Pedro Sanchez started his visit in Mauritania on Tuesday, after which he will head south to Gambia and Senegal. The three coastal countries have become key departure points used by smugglers to launch overcrowded boats.
Located near the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are used as a stepping stone for migrants and refugees trying to reach continental Europe.
The Spanish archipelago has seen more than 22,000 people arrive on its shores since January, according to Spain’s interior ministry. This is more than double the number of irregular arrivals for the same period last year.
Thousands of Malian refugees fleeing violence and instability are among those setting out on the dangerous Atlantic route to the Canaries.
They are joined by unemployed young people from Senegal, Mauritania and other west African nations in search of better job opportunities.
There are also teenagers and children travelling alone to the Canary Islands, overwhelming the local government responsible for their care.
Spanish authorities say they are bracing for even more arrivals this autumn when sailing conditions in the Atlantic Ocean between west Africa and the Canary Islands are more favourable.
In a bid to tackle the issue, Mr Sanchez is expected to sign bilateral agreements with his African counterparts and strengthen cooperation between Spanish and local security forces to combat people smuggling.
Spain will also expand its seasonal migration scheme, which allows migrants to work in the country temporarily in sectors such as agriculture.
To address the root causes of migration, Madrid said it would also announce longer-term investment and business partnerships in areas including development and education.
It is the second time the Spanish leader has visited Mauritania this year. In February, Mr Sanchez travelled to the largely deserted and impoverished nation alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The pair announced a £177million (€210m) package to help the country curb migration.
Seen as a beacon of stability in the volatile Sahel region, Mauritania hosts about 200,000 Malian refugees on its border.