By: Lloyd Mahachi
A tragic incident has occurred off the coast of Madagascar. At least 24 people have died after two boats carrying mostly Somali nationals capsized in the Indian Ocean.
The two boats were carrying a total of 70 passengers. They were discovered adrift off Madagascar’s north coast on Saturday. It is believed that their engines had failed, leaving them helpless in the sea.
A senior Somalian government official has confirmed that survivors were rescued by local fishermen. The survivors have reported that they were trying to reach the French island of Mayotte. This is a common but very dangerous route for Somali migrants seeking asylum.
Many young people from the Horn of Africa are forced to take this perilous route due to unemployment and poverty. They hope to reach Europe and find a better life. However, the risks are extremely high, and many lives are lost at sea.
Madagascan authorities have warned against “the severe risks associated with illegal migration”. This tragedy highlights the dangers faced by migrants who attempt to cross the sea in search of a better life.
The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement saying that efforts are underway to “ensure the safe return of the survivors”. The international community must work together to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The root causes of migration must be addressed. This includes providing economic opportunities and addressing poverty in the Horn of Africa. The international community must also work together to provide safe and legal migration routes for those seeking asylum.
The tragedy off the coast of Madagascar is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants at sea. It highlights the need for urgent action to address the root causes of migration and to provide safe and legal migration routes.
Editor: Josephine Mahachi
