69 Drowned After Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Moroccan Coast
About 69 migrants, including 25 Malians, lost their lives after a makeshift boat en route to Spain from West Africa sank off Morocco’s coast, Mali’s authorities confirmed.
Details of the Tragedy:
- Survivors: Nine survivors are Malian nationals, according to Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad.
- Timing: The incident occurred last week but was formally confirmed on Thursday.
Mali’s Crisis and Migration:
- Instability: Mali continues to grapple with political turmoil, jihadist violence, and separatist uprisings following two military coups in 2020 and 2021.
- Hardship: Economic challenges and climate change effects on agriculture have forced many Malians to seek opportunities abroad, often risking dangerous sea routes.
Deadly Atlantic Route:
- Risk: The Atlantic migration path from West Africa to Spain is one of the most perilous in the world.
- Statistics: Spanish human rights group Caminando Fronteras reports over 10,000 migrant deaths on this route in 2024, averaging 30 fatalities daily.
- Proximity: At its closest point, Morocco is just 8 nautical miles (14 kilometers) from Spain, making it a common yet hazardous crossing for migrants seeking better lives.
Authorities in Mali have dispatched a crisis unit to monitor the situation and assist the affected families.
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