Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have already faced years of unrest and climate distress. But growing food insecurity and conflict have compounded pressures, raising concerns in Brussels and Geneva about an increase in attempts to reach Europe.
Europol said it has arrested eleven suspected people smugglers who brought people into the EU via Belarus. It broke up a ring that is estimated to have made €7 million as income.
The EU and Niger have announced plans to work together more closely to bring an end to the activities of people smugglers. A new initiative launched last week is intended to deepen the cooperation between the two. This comes as Niger's role in combatting terrorism in the region is also increasing.
The Polish government has announced that it will lift the state of emergency imposed along its border with Belarus on July 1. This comes as Polish authorities finish the construction of a new wall between the two countries aimed at stopping migrants crossing.