Bamako, Mali – At least 69 people, including 25 Malians, have died after a makeshift boat attempting to reach Spain capsized off the coast of Morocco. Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad confirmed the tragedy, which occurred last week, in a statement on Thursday.
The boat carried approximately 80 people, but only 11 survivors were rescued. Among the survivors, nine are from Mali. Authorities have dispatched a crisis unit to monitor the situation and assist the affected families.
The incident highlights the ongoing migration crisis in West Africa, where political instability, economic hardship, and climate change drive many to embark on perilous sea journeys.
Mali, in particular, has faced years of turmoil, including jihadist violence, separatist uprisings, and military coups in 2020 and 2021, leaving vast regions of the country ungovernable.
The Atlantic migration route, connecting the coasts of Mauritania and Morocco to Spain, is one of the world’s deadliest. According to the Spanish human rights group Caminando Fronteras, over 10,000 people have died attempting to cross this year, averaging 30 deaths daily.
Morocco’s proximity to Spain—just eight nautical miles (14 kilometers) at its closest point—makes it a popular but treacherous route for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.
This latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of migration and improve safety for those seeking refuge and opportunity.