
Quarterly Mixed Migration Update
West Africa, Quarter 4, 2024
This Quarterly Mixed Migration Update (QMMU) covers the West Africa (WA) region. The core countries of focus are Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria. Depending on the quarterly trends and migration-related updates, more attention may be given to any of the countries over the rest.
The QMMUs offer a quarterly update on new trends and dynamics related to mixed migration and relevant policy developments in the region. These updates are based on a compilation of a wide range of secondary (data) sources, brought together within a regional framework and applying a mixed migration analytical lens. Similar QMMUs are available for all MMC regions.
Key Updates Quarter 4 – 2024
– The number of migrants crossing the Atlantic to the Canary Islands (46,524) has risen by 16% between 2023 and 2023, setting a new record for overall arrivals to Spain (63,427): Arrivals on the Western Mediterranean route remained stable with a slight decline of 1% (16,903), while West African migrants accounted for a smaller share of arrivals to Italy (65,474 total arrivals in 2024—a 58% decrease compared to 2023). Compared to last quarter, arrivals to Spain increased by 25% while arrivals to Italy decreased by 31%.
– According to the NGO Caminando Fronteras record number of 10,000 migrants died or disappeared while attempting to reach Spain by sea in 2024, including 9,757 deaths on the Atlantic Route alone: Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s Missing Migrants Project (MMP) recorded 1,062 deaths or disappearances along the Atlantic route, 412 on the WMR, and 1,659 on the CMR.
– Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger maintain visa-free travel for ECOWAS nationals despite exit plans: While some ECOWAS member states advocate for reciprocity, others remain hesitant.
– West Africa becomes transit point for South and East Asian migrants seeking Canary Islands: An increased migrant presence is observed in Mauritania, for instance.
– Spain has called on Frontex to secure agreements with West African countries to patrol their territorial waters to address increasing migration to the Canary Islands: The expansion of Frontex’s activities in West Africa raises concerns that its focus on deportation over reintegration leaves returnees without adequate support to rebuild their lives.
– Senegal has intensified efforts to combat irregular migration, with financial support from the EU: On 1 October, the Senegalese government launched regional and departmental committees in efforts to decentralize strategies against irregular migration.
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