A Spanish hospital ship recovers the bodies of around 18 Africans in the sea

newstyle · (#1 (**permalink**))

Spain offers boats to Mauritania

Some attempted migrants have been jailed in Mauritania The Spanish government is to offer patrol boats to the Mauritanian authorities in an effort to control a rise in illegal immigration. The offer comes after a Spanish hospital ship recovered the bodies of around 18 Africans in the sea 400 miles (640km) south of the Canary Islands.
Earlier, around 400 Africans were found in boats trying to reach the islands.
Spanish police fear thousands of people are gathering in Mauritania and the Western Sahara to try to make the trip.
The region appears to be the new launching point for those attempting to reach European shores since security has been stepped up in Morocco and the Straits of Gibraltar.
The bodies were picked up by the Spanish ship Esperanza del Mar (Hope of the Sea) after they were discovered by a fishing boat.
Hundreds of would-be African immigrants, packed into boats, have been picked up in recent weeks as they have tried to reach the Canary Islands.
Fatal seas
Earlier this month 45 drowned in separate incidents after leaving the African coast. Since 10 November 2005, at least 1,200 people have died trying to make the trip, the Mauritanian Red Crescent says.

Spanish ministers decided to launch a number of measures to try to combat the problem during an emergency meeting on Wednesday.
As well as patrol boats, they will offer Mauritania help in setting up reception centres for illegal immigrants, which could be run by non-governmental organisations.
They will also respond to a request for further help from the Canary Islands to deal with the situation, such as increasing coastal patrols.
The BBC's Danny Wood says that as reception centres in the Canary Islands overflow, Spain's army is making military barracks available for the new arrivals.
The government adds that it will also try to identify the immigrants - and help protect the rights of those who are genuine refugees.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4809814.stm

defyfear · (#2 (**permalink**))

Looks like a Plan B (Spain) might be in order since this

AFRICA CLEARING HOUSE
is failing expectations. Look EUCOM is suppose to be all over this.

http://www.iss.co.za/pubs/ASR/13No3/CPlaut.htm

newstyle · (#3 (**permalink**))

@ defyfear A few things that stood out for me:
The aim of the Africa Clearing House (ACH) was spelled out by Lt Col Phil Roger s, of the US Marine Corps at the start of the meeting. ‘Goal – To provide a multi-lateral forum to exchange information on security assistance and cooperation programs for the African continent
It is also worth noting that there was no African presence at Senningen, something that is due to be corrected at the next meeting, scheduled for December 2004.
Prevent, mitigate and resolve conflict on the continent.
Prepare African armed forces and regional organisations for contingency operations
Professionalise African militaries
Strengthen private sector economic growth and increasing productivity through expanded trade and investment
Preserve West Africa ’s sustainable resource base, unique eco-systems.
It is estimated that by 2010 American reliance on Sub-Saharan oil will rise from the present level of 17% to approximately 25%.7 US corporate investment in the Nigerian and Angolan oil industries was worth $1.8 billion in 2003 alone.8

Mokele Mbembe · (#4 (**permalink**))

basic meo has been telling us about this for a long time. very sad