Spanish Prime Minister vows to combat human trafficking in Senegal: Video

Sánchez amongst other things expressed concern over the expansion of these networks, emphasizing their devastating impact on individuals and communities.

"Unfortunately, the criminal networks involved in human trafficking continue to grow. Not only are these organizations playing with the lives of our compatriots, destroying the future of many young people who have fallen into the trap and shattering the hopes of the families who put their trust in them, but they are also linked to other crimes that they are proliferating, such as trafficking in all kinds of illicit goods and, of course, terrorism," Sánchez is quoted by the AFP.

He also stressed the importance of returning those who have entered Spain illegally to their home countries as a crucial deterrent against human trafficking. "To fight this threat to the stability and security of our societies, it is also essential that people who have arrived illegally in Spain return to their own countries. Mainly because such a return sends a clear and strong message of deterrence to the mafias and those who put themselves in their hands," he added.

Sánchez further intimated Spain's commitment to Africa's development through the Africa Avance Alliance, an initiative aimed at fostering job creation, investment, and opportunities in key sectors across the continent. 

As part of his efforts to strengthen cooperation in the region, Spain has signed agreements with Mauritania and The Gambia to combat human trafficking and promote legal migration.