Migration to Spain shifts from Maghreb to Sahel countries like Mali, driven by conflict and climate change.
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The profile of individuals arriving at Spanish refugee aid centers has changed, with an increase in asylum seekers and a high percentage originating from Mali. These arrivals are often highly vulnerable due to trauma experienced during their journeys, compounded by low literacy levels. A 2024 National Security report indicates a paradigm shift in maritime migration to Spain; previously dominated by Maghreb countries like Morocco, migrants are now increasingly fleeing Sahel nations. In 2024, Mali was the leading nationality arriving on Spanish coasts with over 15,000 people, and Sub-Saharan Africans accounted for 72% of total arrivals.
Maritime arrivals to Spain reached a record high in 2024 (61,372), primarily heading to the Canary Islands. The surge from Mali is linked to instability, violence, food insecurity, and climate change across the Sahel region, where military responses have not effectively curtailed terrorism. While many displaced people remain within Africa, migration patterns are shifting; routes through Mauritania and Senegal in the Atlantic toward the Canaries have increased significantly, while Mediterranean crossings have decreased.
The Canary Islands route has become the most active and deadly maritime path to Europe, with over 10,457 deaths recorded in 2024. Furthermore, there is a rise in women arriving at Spanish coasts who have experienced various forms of violence. This shift has boosted international protection applications in Spain; Malians saw their asylum requests increase significantly in the EU+.
In Senegal, migration drivers are shifting from jihadism to issues like poverty and labor shortages, exacerbated by overfishing. Industrial fishing fleets from Europe and China are depleting local fish stocks, negatively impacting artisanal fishermen who feel exploited by foreign entities.
