The Migrant Boom in El Hierro: Stories of Hope and Compassion

In the bars of La Frontera municipality in El Hierro, the phrase “Que lleguen bien” rings out, echoing the hopes for the safe arrival of migrants. Located at the southwestern tip of the Canary Islands, El Hierro has become a key destination for African migrants, with over 14,000 arrivals in 2023 alone.

Francis Mendoza, a Civil Protection volunteer, and his companions Omar and Aliu from Gambia and Senegal, respectively, closely monitor the daily arrivals of migrant boats. Despite the challenges, the locals of El Hierro welcome and integrate migrants with empathy and solidarity, offering them a new life on the island.

Amidst the increasing arrivals, stories like Abdu’s journey from Senegal to becoming a community member highlight the resilience of migrants. The island also grapples with legal issues, such as false accusations of human trafficking.

Despite the strain on resources, the islanders continue to show unwavering support for migrants, exemplifying exceptional solidarity and compassion in the face of adversity.

Registering and Verifying Migrants

Omar’s story of arriving as a minor and finding refuge with the Civil Protection volunteers showcases the mutual support between migrants and locals. As El Hierro prepares for more arrivals, the question of limitless solidarity lingers, and the response remains a resounding no.

Editor: Chrispin Mwakideu