Thousands of young Guineans are departing from the country’s Atlantic coast for Spain’s Canary Islands, extending an already dangerous route to Europe, as political instability, economic hardship and tighter migration controls in neighbouring states, coordinated with European partners, reshape regional migration paths.
The shift toward Guinea reflects a broader realignment of West African migration pathways. Previously, smugglers relied on departure points in Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco. However, intensified European visa restrictions and strengthened bilateral agreements with Spain have pushed these departures increasingly southward.
The Atlantic crossing from Guinea adds roughly 750 kilometers compared with routes originating in Senegal, significantly heightening the risks for migrants. Small, overcrowded boats are now leaving from coastal towns like Kamsar, where the fishing industry is gradually shifting toward facilitating illegal migration.
