The Gambia has emerged as one of the notable departure points in the surge of irregular migration to Spain, with nearly 2,000 Gambians taking to the sea in 2024, according to data from Spain’s National Security Report.
The report, published by the National Security Department under the Spanish Prime Minister’s Office, shows that 1,943 people left The Gambian shores in hopes of reaching Europe—a figure that highlights the growing pressure across West African coastal nations.
While the majority of migrants continued to depart from Mauritania (over 25,000) and Morocco (more than 13,000), The Gambia stands alongside Senegal (8,970) and Guinea-Bissau (250) as significant contributors to the Atlantic migration route, which saw an 18% increase in traffic this year.
Overall, Spain recorded 61,372 sea arrivals in 2024—an increase of more than 10% compared to the previous year—with the Canary Islands receiving the lion’s share at 46,843 arrivals.
Analysts attribute the shift in migration patterns to tighter border controls in North African countries like Libya and Tunisia. As a result, more migrants are taking the longer, riskier Atlantic route from West Africa, placing additional strain on countries like The Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania.
The report notes that these departure countries are now grappling with heightened challenges, including managing local discontent, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and responding to growing international pressure to curb departures.
IIn The Gambia, migration remains a complex issue. Economic hardship, youth unemployment, and limited opportunities continue to drive many to risk their lives at sea in search of better prospects in Europe.
