A tragic incident off the coast of Morocco has claimed the lives of at least 69 people, including 25 from Mali. The boat, which was trying to reach Spain from West Africa, capsized, and only 11 survivors were rescued. The boat was carrying around 80 people, and nine of the survivors are from Mali. The tragedy happened last week, but Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad confirmed the news on Thursday.

Mali has been struggling with political instability, including jihadist violence and separatist conflicts, leading to two military coups in 2020 and 2021. Despite promises of elections in March 2024, much of the country remains unstable, with large areas ungoverned. Many Malians, facing economic hardship, high unemployment, and the effects of climate change, have been forced to take dangerous journeys across the sea in search of a better life.

The Atlantic route from Morocco to Spain, which is only 14 kilometers at its closest point, is one of the deadliest migration routes in the world. In 2024 alone, over 10,000 people have died while trying to reach Spain by boat, with an average of 30 deaths each day. Many migrants on this route are fleeing poverty and conflict in sub-Saharan Africa.

This tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the extreme risks faced by migrants seeking better opportunities in Europe.