Record Number of African Migrants Flock to Spain's Canary Islands

Over 1,300 African migrants, mostly young adult males from sub-Saharan Africa, reached Spain's Canary Islands over the weekend, with one boat carrying a record 321 people. This year, there has been an 80% increase in arrivals compared to last year, with a record two-week tally of 8,561 arrivals since October 1. The spike in illegal arrivals is attributed to the political destabilization of the Sahel region, which has seen a series of military coups. The Canaries have become a preferred destination due to tightened control over Mediterranean Sea routes, and Spain has pledged €50 million in emergency funding to help local governments cope with the influx.