Nouakchott: The principal of a primary school in northern Mauritania, established to cater specifically to the children of migrants aspiring to reach Europe, reports that classrooms are noticeably emptier this year compared to previous years. This observation suggests that a partnership agreement signed last year with the European Union to curb migration is beginning to show results. According to Nam News Network, the principal, Sahid Moluh, has noted a decline in student numbers, attributing this to the impact of deportations on many families who have subsequently left the country. Official figures from Mauritanian authorities reveal that over 18,000 migrants were deported in the first half of this year alone. At the end of September, nearly 13,000 migrants from Mauritania arrived at Spain's Canary Islands, situated approximately 95 kilometers off Africa's Atlantic coast. This figure represents more than half the number recorded in 2024. However, while there has been a reduction in the number of migrants r eaching the archipelago, researchers caution that the journeys have become longer and more perilous. Migrants from West Africa often embark on these treacherous voyages in small wooden fishing boats, departing from countries such as Senegal and Gambia. Their journey to the Canary Islands spans thousands of kilometers, often culminating in tragedy, as evidenced in August when a boat capsized off the coast of the village of Mheijrat. The incident resulted in the death of most of the 160 passengers on board. Fisherman Samba Sow recounted the grim aftermath, pointing out the brightly colored boat still stranded on the beach. "The sea was rough, the wind was strong. They were all dead, every single one of them dead. More than a hundred bodies lay here. It's sad. Every life is one too many," he lamented. Moluh expressed a desire for the government to adopt a more supportive approach towards migrants. He emphasized the need for solutions beyond deportation, highlighting that many parents are eager to work legally in Mauritania but face overly complex requirements.