West African authorities intercept major migrant trafficking and rescue operations

Authorities in West Africa have intercepted significant migrant movement operations involving hundreds of individuals. In Mauritania, coast guards rescued 260 migrants—including 132 Senegalese, 120 Gambians, two Nigerians, two Malians, and four Guineans—after they spent seven days at sea. The group was traveling in two vessels that departed from Banjul, Gambia.

In Senegal, the National Division for the Fight against Migrant Trafficking dismantled a smuggling network in Kafountine. Investigators revealed a plan to transport approximately 190 migrants to the Canary Islands, with participants reportedly paying roughly 400,000 FCFA each. Seven suspects were referred to authorities following the seizure of a pirogue and 420 liters of fuel. The investigation indicated that roughly 140 candidates had already been gathered in an apartment in Bara, Gambia, as part of the organized route.

These incidents occur amid shifting migration patterns. While official reports from the Canary Islands government show a 57% decrease in maritime arrivals compared to the previous year, officials note this reflects a reconfiguration of migration routes rather than a decline in attempts.