Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo has written to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, urging the government to implement six urgent measures to address the recent spike in migration across the Atlantic route and to avoid overwhelming the archipelago with an extraordinary influx of migrants.
Clavijo’s letter, released by the Canary Islands Government, expresses serious concern over the significant rise in arrivals, which have seen 3,814 people land in October alone, including 2,776 in El Hierro. He emphasises the need for proactive measures, better coordination, and sufficient resources to ensure both public safety and the effective management of public services on the islands.
Among his requests, Clavijo calls for an extraordinary meeting of the Canarias-State Security Council, the approval of a contingency plan, and increased involvement from the European Union. He highlights that recent intelligence reports indicated a potential resurgence in migration, leading to a demand for details on additional resources that the Spanish government might have mobilised before the influx began.
Clavijo reiterates that while the Canary Islands are committed to humanitarian efforts and collaboration, this should not mean bearing a disproportionate burden without adequate support from the central and European authorities. He insists on a coordinated response that aligns with the situational realities faced by the islands.
Alongside the meeting and contingency plan, Clavijo seeks urgent diplomatic initiatives with Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, and Gambia to enhance cooperation and tackle human trafficking. He also calls on Spain to push for the activation of EU solidarity mechanisms related to migration and asylum, ensuring that resources and responsibilities are shared among member states.
Furthermore, he requests a permanent monitoring mechanism between both governments to facilitate ongoing discussions about migration routes and to ensure that commitments are met. Clavijo insists that the approach cannot remain merely reactive but must evolve into a stable planning strategy to effectively manage changing migration patterns.
In conclusion, Clavijo stresses that while the Canary Islands’ solidarity is unquestionable, it is crucial for the Spanish government to assume its responsibilities and ensure that adequate means are in place to handle the ongoing situation.
