At least 69 migrants, including 25 citizens of Mali, tragically perished when an overcrowded boat capsized off the coast of Morocco on December 19th.
The vessel, carrying approximately 80 individuals, was attempting the perilous journey from West Africa to Spain.
Only 11 survivors were rescued, according to the Malian Ministry of Malians Abroad, which has established a crisis unit to support families and provide updates.
The Atlantic migration route, connecting West Africa to Spain’s Canary Islands, has witnessed a significant surge in activity this year. Despite being one of the world’s most dangerous migration paths, thousands undertake this perilous journey, driven by factors such as conflict, unemployment, and the escalating impacts of climate change in the Sahel region, including Mali.
The human toll of this route is staggering. Migration advocacy group Walking Borders reported nearly 5,000 migrant deaths on this route within the first five months of 2024 alone, an unprecedented and deeply concerning figure.
