This Christmas, more than 1,700 migrants reached the Canary Islands, a critical stop on their dangerous journey to Europe. Reports indicate that over 500 of these individuals required rescue at sea. The influx highlights the escalating conflicts in their home countries, notably in Chad and Mauritania, prompting many to flee. The situation has overwhelmed local residents and officials, who are calling for assistance from Spain’s central government and the EU. Tragically, over 9,700 migrants have died in 2024 while attempting the perilous journey.