Fernando Clavijo says islands unable to care for underage migrants with dignity

After a record-breaking year of migrant arrivals, the president of Spain’s Canary Islands called the situation on the islands “unsustainable” on Monday.

“If we’re talking about storing children away and letting people sleep outside, we have the space,” Fernando Clavijo told broadcaster Cadena Ser. “But if we’re talking about attending to the people in accordance with their human rights, we do not have the capacity.”

In recent days, thousands of migrants have arrived or been rescued in small boats traveling to the Canary Islands from northwest Africa.

In the year through Dec. 15, a record-breaking 44,700 people successfully made the perilous journey, according to Spain’s Interior Ministry. A recent report by the NGO Walking Borders estimates that nearly 10,500 died trying.

Following the wave of arrivals, Clavijo said the islands, with a population of around 2.2 million, are now hosting nearly 6,000 unaccompanied child migrants.

When they arrive in Spain, the children are placed under state care and have legal rights that compel authorities to offer them proper education and protection.

Clavijo said some of the island’s centers for minors are hosting 300 children, even though they are designed to hold a maximum of 20.

“There is a roof and a bathroom, yes, but we are absolutely not able to offer psychological help, and these are children with trauma, who have seen everything in these boats. We cannot teach them Spanish. These are their rights, which oblige us to guarantee a life project for these minors,” he explained.

He criticized both the Spanish government and the main opposition party — the Popular Party in Madrid — for failing to relocate minors to mainland Spain.

“Both are leaving the Canary Islands, as well as all of these children, alone in the face of an unprecedented migration crisis,” he said. “The Spanish government isn’t acting and intervening despite having the power to do so, and the Popular Party is blocking (any agreements).”

The Spanish government has proposed a long-term solution to make the redistribution of child migrants automatic, but it has been blocked by the Popular Party.

Clavijo said his government proposed an extraordinary measure to relocate 4,000 underage migrants to the rest of Spain, but it has been ignored by Madrid.

“That means we would keep around 1,800, which is still a lot for us, but it would allow us to treat them with dignity,” he said.

Earlier this year, the Popular Party was reportedly close to backing the Spanish government’s plan. However, the far-right party Vox threatened to block all of its budget proposals in regions where its support was needed.

In the summer, Vox also broke several regional governing pacts with the Popular Party after the conservative party decided to accommodate 400 young migrants in the regions it controlled. By Alyssa Mcmurtry, Anadolu Agency

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Saturday that he is “closely” following the agreement reached between Ethiopia and Somalia with Turkish mediation and expressing hope it "would contribute to achieving security and stability in the Horn of Africa, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.

It came during a telephone call al-Sisi received from his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.

Al-Sisi added that he is "closely following the agreement recently reached between Ethiopia and Somalia through Turkish mediation."

He expressed his "hope that this agreement would contribute to achieving security and stability in the Horn of Africa region, and that it would be in line with the principles of international law."

The two presidents emphasized "the importance of further enhancing cooperation across various fields, especially economic and investment, while emphasizing the need to attract more French companies to invest in development projects in Egypt," it said.

The call also involved an exchange of views on regional developments.

The Egyptian president stressed "the close link between security and stability in the Horn of Africa and Egypt's national security."

He pointed out that Egypt “is working to support Somalia to achieve security and stability, whether through bilateral cooperation or by participating in the African Union peacekeeping mission at Somalia's request."

Ethiopia and Somalia have been at odds since Ethiopia struck a deal in January with Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland to use its Red Sea port of Berbera. Türkiye has been working to resolve these tensions.

The Ankara Declaration, brokered by Türkiye and signed Dec. 12, marked a turning point in relations between the Horn of Africa neighbours.

Somalian and Ethiopian leaders emphasized that the declaration “reaffirmed their respect and commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity.” *Writing by Rania Abu Shamala, Anadolu Agency 

As we usher in 2025, I extend my heartfelt New Year wishes to all South Sudanese, both at home and across the globe. May this year be one of hope, renewal, and collective resolve. Together, we have the power to make 2025 a transformative chapter in our nation’s history—a year to rebuild trust, foster reconciliation, and set a lasting foundation for peace and prosperity.

The transformative power of peace

Peace is more than the absence of conflict; it is the catalyst for growth, justice, and equality. For too long, South Sudan has suffered under the weight of violence and division. The scars of our past are undeniable, yet they remind us of the urgent need to embrace peace. In 2025, we must collectively work to heal our nation, ensuring that every effort we make reflects our shared desire for a brighter future.

Unity: The cornerstone of progress

Our diversity is our strength, but it requires unity to realize its full potential. Ethnic and political divisions have long hindered our progress, yet 2025 offers us the chance to move beyond these barriers. We must cultivate a national identity rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and collective ambition. Unity is not just a goal; it is the foundation upon which we can build a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan.

Empowering the youth: Agents of change

South Sudan’s youth represent the lifeblood of the nation—vibrant, innovative, and full of potential. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today. In 2025, young people must rise as champions of peace, initiating grassroots dialogues, leading reconciliation efforts, and driving community-based solutions. Their energy and creativity are indispensable to achieving lasting peace and sustainable development.

Women: Pillars of peacebuilding

Women have always been the backbone of South Sudanese communities, and their role in peacebuilding is vital. Their resilience, wisdom, and ability to foster dialogue make them indispensable in the pursuit of lasting harmony. In 2025, we must ensure women’s full participation in decision-making processes at all levels, recognizing that their contributions are essential to building a just and inclusive society.

Justice and reconciliation: Paths to healing

To move forward, we must address the pain of the past. Justice and reconciliation are not opposing forces but complementary pillars of healing. Establishing a national truth and reconciliation process will allow victims and perpetrators to confront the past and foster understanding. At the same time, accountability for past atrocities will uphold the rule of law and lay the groundwork for a peaceful and equitable future.

Investing in peace: Infrastructure and governance

Peace is not just a moral imperative—it is an economic and social necessity. Tangible investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare are critical to bridging divides and improving lives. Simultaneously, strengthening governance through transparency, accountability, and the rule of law will restore public trust and create an environment where peace can flourish.

The role of the diaspora and international allies

The South Sudanese diaspora and international partners have a crucial role to play in this journey. The diaspora can contribute resources, expertise, and advocacy, while international allies can provide technical support and funding for peacebuilding initiatives. Collaboration across borders will amplify local efforts and ensure the sustainability of our peace agenda.

A collective responsibility

Peacebuilding is not the responsibility of the government alone; it is a duty we all share. Religious leaders, community elders, youth, women, and civil society organizations must work together to champion peace at every level. In 2025, let us ensure that every decision, action, and conversation reflects our unwavering commitment to unity and reconciliation.

Looking ahead: A vision for South Sudan

Declaring 2025 as the Year of Peace and Renewal is not just a symbolic act—it is a call to action. It is an opportunity to lay the foundation for a nation where children grow up in safety, communities thrive in harmony, and prosperity is shared by all. Together, we can turn our challenges into opportunities and create a future where peace is not a fleeting dream but a lasting reality.

As we embark on this journey, let us rise above division, embrace unity, and work tirelessly for the South Sudan we envision. May 2025 be the year we transform hope into action and peace into a permanent legacy.

Happy New Year, South Sudan. The responsibility is ours, and the time is now.

The writer is a peacebuilder and advocate for a Better South Sudan. He can be reached via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the author’s responsibility, not Radio Tamazuj’s.