West African migrant sea crossings drop sharply despite persistent dangers

Fewer migrants from West Africa are crossing the sea to Europe, according to UN News citing the International Organization for Migration. Sea arrivals from Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and The Gambia dropped by 59 per cent in the first six months of 2026 compared to the same timeframe in 2025. Total arrivals from these nations fell to 4,566 people during this period. [1]

Despite the drop in total sea arrivals, UN News reported that the dangerous journeys have not become any safer. On the Atlantic route leading toward the Canary Islands, recorded deaths and disappearances saw little change, shifting from 1,215 in 2024 to 1,172 in 2025 despite a 62 per cent fall in total arrivals. [1]

West Africa is the westernmost region of the African continent. UN News highlighted that West Africans comprise an increasing proportion of overall arrivals along Mediterranean sea routes. Their share of arrivals on the Western Mediterranean route rose from 15.6 per cent to 21.9 per cent as border controls tightened across Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal. [1][9]

The International Organization for Migration noted that while border enforcement has increased, the primary drivers pushing people to leave West Africa persist, driving shifts in regional travel paths. [1]