69 Dead After Migrant Boat Capsizes Off Moroccan Coast

At least 69 migrants, including 25 Malians, lost their lives after a makeshift boat en route to Spain from West Africa sank off Morocco’s coast, Mali’s authorities confirmed. Details of the Tragedy: – Passengers: The boat carried about 80 people; only 11 survived. – Survivors: Nine survivors are Malian nationals, according to Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad. – Timing: The incident occurred last week but was formally confirmed on Thursday. Mali’s Crisis and Migration: – Instability: Mali continues to grapple with political turmoil, jihadist violence, and separatist uprisings following two military coups in 2020 and 2021. – Hardship: Economic challenges and climate change effects on agriculture have forced many Malians to seek opportunities abroad, often risking dangerous sea routes. Deadly Atlantic Route: – Risk: The Atlantic migration path from West Africa to Spain is one of the most perilous in the world. – Statistics: Spanish human rights group Caminando Fronteras reports over 10,000 migrant deaths on this route in 2024, averaging 30 fatalities daily. – Proximity: At its closest point, Morocco is just 8 nautical miles (14 kilometers) from Spain, making it a common yet hazardous crossing for migrants seeking better lives. Authorities in Mali have dispatched a crisis unit to monitor the situation and assist the affected families.