ADADMoroccans have been the most numerous among recent migrant arrivals to the Spanish archipelago, whose nearest islands lie around 70 miles (110 kms) west of the north African nation. Around half of those arrivals —and most of the deaths— have been in the past 30 days, a spike that has strained resources on the Canary Islands. Normally at this time of year, the islands are one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. The west African country has become a major point of migrant departures even though it is around 950 miles (1,500 kms) away. Its strategy is akin to that being undertaken in Greece, which has opted to keep thousands of migrants in refugee camps on its islands.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 20, 2020 11:33 UTC