It is Impossible to Stop Irregular Immigration

There is a possibility that this year will end with a record number of irregular immigrant arrivals in Spain, especially in the Canary Islands and Ceuta. What is an evident and urgent problem, particularly in areas where reception infrastructure has long been overwhelmed, becomes a political weapon, with politicians changing their stance as it suits them. Francisco Candil, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare for the Canary Islands Government, is honest: "Politics is not up to the task in this situation, which has been treated as just another issue to hurl insults at each other, ignoring that it is a humanitarian crisis that needs to be solved as such."

Meanwhile, the drama continues and, more worryingly, no one seeks to address the root of the problem, which lies more in Africa than in Europe. Social anthropologist Jesús Prieto Mendaza explains it well, calling for investments at the source to develop the continent and prevent escape from being the only hope for a better life. He also acknowledges the integration problem posed by irregular immigrants, especially unaccompanied minors. "Europe cannot accommodate all Africans who want to enter," he states in a seemingly common-sense phrase.

Unfortunately, this complex situation is approached only from ideological extremes: from the racist hatred of the far-right and the "Disney benevolence" of the far-left. This happens throughout Europe and partly explains the rise of the former, especially because it is the only one promising solutions - albeit impractical ones - while the latter merely labels anyone who shows discontent - or even mere concern - about the situation as fascist.

Meanwhile, development cooperation in Africa flounders and only aims to put patches because endemic corruption in developing countries' governments, the business that often becomes the Third Sector, and a changing world order that boosts China's prominence on the continent do not allow for more.

Therefore, today we focus on this international situation that once again affects us even if we think it is far away.

The West is rich because it has conquered and plundered numerous territories. For this reason, it now has an obligation to welcome those who leave these areas seeking a better life and develop countries destabilized to extract all kinds of raw materials. This statement is often heard among NGOs and institutions dedicated to global development. A glance at any history book makes it difficult to refute. Additionally, experts agree that irregular immigration will only be solved when there is no need to flee anywhere to enjoy a dignified life, which also seems logical. However, achieving this goal is much more complicated than often portrayed. Largely due to endemic corruption dragging down developing countries and the business that also becomes the Third Sector.

I have had the opportunity to see many development projects firsthand across Asia: from reconstruction programs after earthquakes and tsunamis like those in Pakistan or Southeast Asia to long-term plans to eliminate deeply rooted social ills such as malnutrition in Laos, gender violence in India, or school failure in East Timor. All these projects have a laudable goal, and no one doubts they save some lives and improve others. But their results are often questionable when considering cost-benefit ratios and are entirely insufficient for solving structural problems.

Organizations - especially United Nations agencies - often emphasize that their work must always be approved, coordinated, and supervised by local governments, which seems reasonable. The problem arises when those leaders see these projects as an opportunity to fatten their wallets when countries develop a pathological dependence on foreign funds when NGOs create a business around themselves that isn't always justified and ends up creating their own client networks. It's the age-old 'teach a man to fish' principle.

It's true that socio-economic indicators also improve across Africa as a whole. But one should ask whether they would have improved with fewer cooperation programs or by applying different recipes. We may soon see this because the continent is experiencing a moment of change. Traditional colonial powers are retreating - especially France - leaving space for emerging powers like China, which arrives with a very different mindset: more investment than charity, with return expectations and work demands that come with it. Beijing emphasizes that China can give a great boost to Africa's development by building essential infrastructure without which development cannot occur.

China is already Sub-Saharan Africa's largest trading partner. "Walking hand-in-hand towards modernity" is the motto of the Sino-African summit held between today and Friday in Beijing with representatives from 50 African countries. They should take note because Chinese know what they are talking about; after all, they have led history's greatest economic miracle without much foreign aid.

Russia, on the other hand, focuses more on shooting guns supporting dictators collecting raw materials across Africa. Alongside China, they share with most African governments their disdain for democratic values human rights their tendency to give bribes under-the-table perhaps why they get along well Unfortunately it doesn't seem populations benefit from new world order reason why combined increasing political military instability Sahel increase departures towards Europe

It's ideal breeding ground irregular migration Mendaza asserts only solution develop Africa he's right Problem mission impossible medium term Western recipes It's goal achieved foreign interference victimhood speeches but creating appropriate environment entrepreneurial spirit youngest population planet governments respond interests majority accountable if fail Yes easy say

Far-right rising across Europe Germany latest country evident forcefully AfD emerged first political force Thuringia second Saxony No surprise despite first time since World War II party ideology wins elections German country True won't govern due cordon sanitaire applied rest parties increasingly clear measure temporary success

If reasons behind rise not addressed strength continue growing until cordon can't contain Happened France Sweden Slovakia far-right lost ground decade places like Denmark only because other centrist parties adopted some policies

Germany surprising 38% voters aged 18-24 supported AfD double left Die Linke Analysts agree immigration main reasons explaining growth With nearly 19% migrants population second country highest absolute number behind USA one European states highest rate foreign-born inhabitants Also longest dealing integration especially Turkish origin Not phenomenon new Spain

Precisely tension explodes countries longer migration tradition like France UK draws dark horizon ability create peaceful multicultural society Scandinavia good example problems significantly acute Sweden opened refugees already 20% migrant population neighboring Norway Finland homogeneous population

Pessimists assure Spain heading tension France others point greater weight Latin American migration sharing values customs avoid extreme Unfortunately magical formula creating happy multicultural Arcadia developed world desires found yet

That's all for today I hope I've explained something happening world If subscribed you'll receive newsletter every Wednesday email If you like it please share recommend