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Atlantic Ocean Disaster: 69 West African Migrants Die Fleeing Economic Hardship

Published

14 hours ago

Dec 28, 2024.

West African Migrants Perish in Atlantic Ocean
Migrants Perish while Fleeing Economic Hardship in West Africa
Mali the most hit African Nation

At least 69 individuals, including 25 citizens of Mali, lost their lives when a makeshift boat attempting to reach Spain from West Africa capsized off the Moroccan coast. Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad confirmed the tragedy, which occurred last week, in a formal statement released on Thursday.

The ill-fated boat was carrying approximately 80 people when it encountered difficulties at sea. Only 11 survivors were rescued, nine of whom are from Mali.

A crisis unit has been deployed by the Malian government to provide assistance to the survivors and the families of the deceased, as well as to monitor developments related to the incident.

This heartbreaking loss underscores the persistent dangers faced by migrants seeking better lives abroad.

The Atlantic migration route, which stretches from West African nations like Mauritania and Morocco to Spain, is notorious for being one of the deadliest in the world. Despite its hazards, it continues to attract migrants due to its proximity; at its closest point, Morocco is just eight nautical miles (14 kilometers) from Spain.

Spanish human rights organization Caminando Fronteras reports that the death toll along this route has been staggering, with over 10,000 migrants losing their lives attempting to reach Spain by boat this year alone. This averages to roughly 30 deaths per day.

Mali, the home country of many aboard the capsized boat, has faced relentless political and economic instability in recent years.

The nation has been plagued by jihadist violence, separatist uprisings, and two military coups in 2020 and 2021. Although the ruling junta initially promised elections by March 2024, much of the country remains in turmoil, with vast northern and eastern regions essentially ungovernable.

Economic hardship, high unemployment rates, and the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture have forced many Malians to consider leaving their homeland. These factors drive thousands of individuals to risk their lives on perilous sea journeys in search of opportunities and safety in Europe.

This latest tragedy highlights the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address the root causes of migration and ensure safer alternatives for those fleeing dire circumstances. As Mali continues to grapple with its internal crises, the loss of so many lives serves as a somber reminder of the human cost of desperation and the pressing need for solutions.

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