At least 69 people, including 25 Malians, have died after a boat traveling from West Africa to Spain sank off the Moroccan coast, Mali’s authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The “makeshift boat” was carrying approximately 80 passengers, but only 11 survived, according to a statement from Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad. At least nine of the survivors are Malian nationals.
The incident occurred last week, but official confirmation came days later. Mali’s government has dispatched a crisis team to monitor the situation and provide assistance to survivors.
Mali continues to face a combination of challenges, including years of jihadist violence, separatist unrest, and two military coups in 2020 and 2021. Although the ruling junta pledged to transition to civilian governance by March 2024, this promise remains unfulfilled, leaving the country in a state of political and social instability.
Additionally, widespread unemployment and the impact of climate change on agriculture have forced many to leave in search of better opportunities in Europe.
The journey across the Atlantic from Africa to Spain is considered one of the most dangerous migration routes globally. According to Caminando Fronteras, a Spanish rights organization, over 10,000 migrants have died attempting the crossing this year alone—averaging 30 deaths per day.
This perilous route spans the Atlantic coasts of Mauritania and Morocco to Spain, where the distance between the two countries narrows to just eight nautical miles (14 km) at the closest point. Many migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, risk their lives to escape poverty and conflict in their home countries.
Despite the dangers, the harsh realities in countries like Mali continue to drive people to attempt this treacherous journey, often with tragic outcomes.
