Spain's Unique Method to Movement from the African Continent

Madrid is adopting a distinctly different path from many Western nations when it comes to migration policies and cooperation with the continent of Africa.

Although nations including the US, UK, French Republic and Germany are cutting back their foreign assistance funding, Madrid remains committed to increasing its participation, though from a modest foundation.

Current Programs

This week, the capital city has been welcoming an continent-endorsed "world conference on persons of African origin". AfroMadrid2025 will explore reparative equity and the establishment of a innovative support mechanism.

This represents the most recent sign of how Madrid's leadership is seeking to deepen and diversify its engagement with the mainland that lies just a brief span to the southern direction, over the Mediterranean crossing.

Policy Structure

During summer International Relations Head José Manuel Albares launched a fresh consultative body of distinguished academic, international relations and cultural figures, the majority of them from Africa, to oversee the implementation of the comprehensive Madrid-Africa plan that his administration unveiled at the conclusion of the previous year.

New embassies below the Sahara desert, and partnerships in enterprise and academic are planned.

Immigration Control

The contrast between the Spanish method and that of different European countries is not just in expenditure but in attitude and philosophy – and nowhere more so than in addressing population movement.

Similar to elsewhere in Europe, Administration Head Madrid's chief executive is looking for ways to manage the influx of undocumented migrants.

"From our perspective, the immigration situation is not only a question of moral principles, unity and honor, but also one of rationality," the prime minister said.

Over 45,000 persons attempted the hazardous maritime passage from Africa's west coast to the Spanish archipelago of the Atlantic islands last year. Estimates of those who died while trying the crossing extend from 1,400 to a astonishing 10,460.

Practical Solutions

Spain's leadership has to accommodate fresh migrants, process their claims and oversee their integration into broader community, whether short-term or more permanent.

However, in rhetoric noticeably distinct from the confrontational statements that originates from numerous EU governments, the Madrid leadership publicly recognizes the difficult financial circumstances on the territory in the West African region that force persons to jeopardize their safety in the attempt to attain Europe.

And it is trying to exceed simply denying access to new arrivals. Rather, it is developing creative alternatives, with a pledge to promote population flows that are safe, systematic and routine and "reciprocally advantageous".

Financial Collaboration

While traveling to the Mauritanian Republic recently, Madrid's representative highlighted the contribution that foreign workers make to the Iberian economic system.

Madrid's administration supports skill development initiatives for jobless young people in nations including the Senegalese Republic, particularly for undocumented individuals who have been sent back, to assist them in creating viable new livelihoods in their native country.

Additionally, it enlarged a "rotational movement" programme that gives West Africans temporary permits to come to Spain for defined timeframes of temporary employment, primarily in farming, and then come home.

Strategic Importance

The core principle underlying Spain's engagement is that Spain, as the European country most proximate to the continent, has an vital national concern in the region's development toward inclusive and sustainable development, and peace and security.

That basic rationale might seem evident.

Nevertheless previous eras had guided Spain down a noticeably unique course.

Besides a several North African presences and a minor equatorial territory – currently sovereign the Gulf of Guinea country – its territorial acquisition in the 1500s and 1600s had mainly been directed overseas.

Forward Vision

The cultural dimension includes not only advancement of Castilian, with an expanded presence of the language promotion body, but also programmes to support the mobility of scholarly educators and scholars.

Defense collaboration, action on climate change, women's empowerment and an expanded diplomatic presence are expected elements in today's environment.

However, the approach also places significant emphasis it places on supporting democratic ideas, the African Union and, in particular, the sub-Saharan cooperative body Ecowas.

This represents positive official support for the entity, which is presently facing significant challenges after witnessing its half-century celebration tainted by the walk-out of the desert region countries – the West African nation, the West African state and the Sahel territory – whose controlling military regimes have declined to adhere with its agreement regarding democratic governance and proper administration.

Meanwhile, in a message targeted as much at Madrid's domestic audience as its sub-Saharan partners, the external affairs department declared "assisting the African community abroad and the battle against prejudice and immigrant hostility are also key priorities".

Eloquent statements of course are only a first step. But in today's sour international climate such language really does distinguish itself.