‘Barcelona or die.’ For Senegalese dreaming of Europe, the deadly Atlantic route is not a deterrent

Associated Press

THIAROYE-SUR-MER, Senegal (AP) — Salamba Ndiaye is one of thousands of young Senegalese who try to leave the West African country each year to head to Spain, fleeing poverty and the lack of job opportunities for young people. Most head to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of West Africa, which is used as a stepping stone to continental Europe. Since the beginning of the year, more than 22,300 people have landed on the Canary Islands, 126% more than the same period last year. That’s according to statistics released by Spain’s Interior Ministry.