At least 69 people, including 25 Malians, have died after a makeshift boat attempting to reach Spain from West Africa capsized off the Moroccan coast, Mali’s government confirmed.
The vessel, which carried around 80 passengers, saw only 11 survivors rescued, according to Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad. Among the survivors, at least nine are Malians. The tragic incident, which occurred last week, was officially confirmed by Malian authorities on Thursday, who also announced the activation of a crisis unit to monitor the situation and provide assistance to those affected.
The disaster highlights the dire conditions prompting Malians to undertake such perilous journeys. Years of political instability, including jihadist violence and separatist uprisings, have left Mali in turmoil, with two military coups in 2020 and 2021 further destabilizing the country.
Promises by the ruling junta to hold elections by March 2024 remain uncertain, as large parts of the nation’s northern and eastern regions are ungovernable.
Coupled with economic hardships, high unemployment, and climate change impacts on agriculture, many Malians have been driven to seek better opportunities abroad.
The Atlantic migration route, spanning from Mauritania and Morocco to Spain, remains one of the deadliest in the world. Spanish human rights organization Caminando Fronteras reports that over 10,000 people have died this year alone attempting to reach Spain by boat, averaging 30 deaths per day.
Sub-Saharan migrants, fleeing conflict and poverty, make up a significant number of those risking the dangerous crossing. While Morocco is just eight nautical miles from Spain at its closest point, the journey often proves fatal for many seeking a new life in Europe.
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