Significant Decrease in Sea Arrivals from West Africa to Europe

Recent reports indicate a notable decline in the number of West Africans reaching Europe by sea, with arrivals from Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and The Gambia decreasing by 59% in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. This drop is attributed to stricter border controls that have forced migrants to explore longer and more perilous routes.

What Changes Have Occurred?

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), only 4,566 individuals from these four countries were recorded arriving in Europe by sea during this period. While the West African Atlantic Route remains the primary corridor for migration, there has been a significant increase in the use of Mediterranean routes, indicating a shift in migration patterns rather than a complete decline.

Who is Affected?

The tightening of border controls in traditional departure areas such as Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal has led to an increase in departures from The Gambia and Guinea. This shift adds considerable distance to the journey, with some migrants facing crossings of up to 2,200 kilometers, significantly increasing their risks at sea.

What Should Travellers Know?

Despite the decrease in arrivals, the dangers associated with these journeys remain high. Although arrivals in the Canary Islands fell by 62%, the number of recorded deaths and disappearances at sea has not decreased significantly. Migrants are now facing longer periods at sea and navigating more remote coastlines, which raises the likelihood of shipwrecks and dehydration.

The IOM has emphasized that fewer arrivals at one destination do not necessarily mean that migration pressures have eased. It calls for enhanced regional cooperation and better support for those affected by the socio-economic factors driving migration.