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Story summary
- In 2025, migrants from West Africa departed from distant locations to reach the Canary Islands as Mauritania tightened migration enforcement.
- The Red Cross reported arrivals from The Gambia more than doubled to 22 boats.
- Departures from Mauritania plummeted by 89% in 2025.
- Experts warn that these longer journeys heighten risks for migrants, making crossings more dangerous.
- Arrivals in the Canary Islands fell 59% in 2025 from the previous year.
