- The boat, carrying around 80 people, resulted in only 11 survivors, with 9 of them being from Mali.
- The tragedy occurred last week but was formally confirmed by Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad on Thursday.
- The ministry has deployed a crisis unit to monitor the situation and assist the affected individuals.
At least 69 people, including 25 Malians, have lost their lives after a makeshift boat capsized off the coast of Morocco while attempting to reach Spain.
The boat, which was carrying approximately 80 passengers, resulted in only 11 survivors, with 9 of them being from Mali.
This tragic incident occurred last week but was officially confirmed by Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad on Thursday. The ministry has since dispatched a crisis team to provide support to the victims and their families.
Mali has faced ongoing political and security instability, including jihadist violence and separatist conflicts, leading to two military coups in 2020 and 2021.
Despite promises for elections by March 2024, much of the country remains unstable, particularly in its northern and eastern regions.
Economic challenges, high unemployment, and the impacts of climate change on agriculture have pushed many Malians to risk dangerous migration routes in search of better opportunities.
The Atlantic crossing from Morocco to Spain has become one of the most perilous migration routes, with over 10,000 people dying in 2024 alone, according to the Spanish human rights organization Caminando Fronteras.
The majority of these migrants come from sub-Saharan Africa, fleeing violence and extreme poverty.
With Morocco only about 14 kilometers from Spain at its nearest point, the route remains both a popular and deadly path for those hoping to find a new life in Europe.
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