By Abidemi Samuel
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A devastating maritime disaster has claimed the lives of at least 69 people, including 25 Malians, after a makeshift boat attempting to reach Spain from West Africa capsized off the coast of Morocco. The boat, carrying approximately 80 people, was intercepted by harsh seas, resulting in one of the deadliest migrant boat disasters in recent history.
According to Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad, only 11 survivors were rescued, with at least nine of them being Malian nationals. The incident occurred last week, but the ministry formally confirmed the tragedy on Thursday, prompting the dispatch of a crisis unit to monitor the situation and provide assistance to those affected.
Mali’s struggles with political and security instability, including jihadist violence and separatist uprisings, have led to a surge in migration. The country’s ruling junta, which initially promised elections by March 2024, has failed to stabilize the nation, leaving many Malians to seek better opportunities abroad. Economic hardship, unemployment, and the impact of climate change on agriculture have further exacerbated the migration crisis.
The Atlantic route, stretching from the coasts of Mauritania and Morocco to Spain, has become one of the deadliest migration paths globally. Spanish human rights group Caminando Fronteras reports that over 10,000 people have lost their lives attempting to reach Spain by boat this year alone, averaging 30 deaths daily. Many migrants embarking on this perilous journey hail from sub-Saharan Africa, fleeing conflict and poverty.
Morocco’s proximity to Spain, with the two nations separated by a mere eight nautical miles (14 kilometers) at their closest point, has made this route a popular yet treacherous choice for those seeking a new life in Europe.
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