As Europe continues to confront large-scale irregular migration from Africa via dangerous routes, the Canary Islands are bearing the brunt of a particular surge. According to Frontex – the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders – there were more than 6,600 irregular crossings via the Western African migratory route in January, 10 times the figure reported one year ago. In stark contrast, Frontex said the number of irregular border crossings into the EU fell to nearly 14,000 in January, down about one-third from December, bringing the number roughl…