The European Union wants to deploy its border protection agency in Senegal

European Commissioner Ylva Johansson on Friday (February 11) proposed to deploy the European Border Protection Agency (Frontex) to Senegal to help fight migrant smuggling, following an increase in the number of dangerous crossings to the islands. Canary Islands, Spain.

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During a press conference held in Dakar, the Senegalese capital, Ylva Johansson said that with the implementation of such a provision, it would be the first time that Frontex operates outside Europe.

If the Senegalese government agrees, the EU Home Affairs Commissioner added, the EU could send surveillance equipment such as drones and ships, as well as Frontex personnel.

Deployed alongside local security forces, the officers would "

", said Ylva Johansson, "

".

4400 deaths in the crossing to reach the Canary Islands

This announcement comes as attempts to gain access to the Canary Islands, the gateway to the European Union, are experiencing a sharp increase, the authorities having taken strong measures against crossings from Libya to Europe.

The Spanish archipelago is just over 100 kilometers from the African coast, at its closest point.

But the conditions for crossing the Atlantic are often dangerous and would-be emigrants brave the danger aboard unstable canoes.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), around 1,200 people died or disappeared attempting this crossing in 2021. The Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras last month put the figure at more than 4,400 dead for the same period.

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Ylva Johansson also said on Friday that the figure of 1,200 people was probably an underestimate.

She added that she had discussed her Frontex proposal with Senegal's Armed Forces Minister and Foreign Minister, and was expected to continue discussions with the Interior Minister on Friday.

A deal to deploy Frontex officers to Senegal could be finalized by the summer, she said.

EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who was also present at the press conference, said a Frontex mission to Senegal could also help in the fight against illegal fishing.

Several senior European Commission officials, including President Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in Senegal this week to prepare for a summit between the EU and the African Union scheduled for February 17-18 in Brussels.