At least 69 people, including 25 Malians, have died after a makeshift boat capsized off the Moroccan coast while attempting to reach Spain, Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad confirmed.
The boat, carrying approximately 80 people, sank last week. Only 11 survivors, nine of whom are from Mali, were rescued. A crisis unit has been deployed to monitor the situation, according to the ministry.
The tragedy highlights the dire conditions driving migration from West Africa. In Mali, years of jihadist violence, political instability following military coups, unemployment, and climate change have left many with little choice but to seek opportunities in Europe.
However, the journey is fraught with danger. Caminando Fronteras, a Spanish rights group, reports that over 10,000 migrants have died attempting to cross from Africa to Spain this year, with an average of 30 deaths daily, making it one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.
This incident underscores the urgent need for global attention to address the root causes of forced migration and improve safety for those embarking on such perilous journeys.
The migration route, which spans from the Atlantic coasts of Mauritania and Morocco to Spain, is regarded as one of the most dangerous in the world.
Many of those taking this dangerous route come from sub-Saharan Africa, escaping poverty and conflict in their home countries.
Morocco is just eight nautical miles (14km) from Spain’s mainland at its closest point.
