The tragedy off the coast of Morocco that led to the sinking of a boat carrying migrants from West Africa is a tragedy that has claimed the lives of at least 69 people, including 25 Malians. Malian authorities have confirmed that only 11 survivors have been found among the nearly 80 passengers on board the makeshift boat. This terrible loss of life reveals once again the inherent dangers of the Atlantic migration route, one of the deadliest routes taken by people seeking a better life in Europe.
This incident is a reminder of the growing migration crisis affecting the region, particularly Mali and the Sahel, which is plagued by persistent conflict, endemic unemployment and the devastating effects of climate change on agricultural livelihoods. This combination of factors is pushing increasing numbers of people to risk their lives by taking dangerous routes in search of safety and opportunity elsewhere.
The Atlantic route, which runs along the West African coast, through Morocco and Spain’s Canary Islands, has become an increasingly popular route for migrants, despite the high risks it poses. According to migrant rights group Walking Borders, nearly 5,000 people have lost their lives attempting the crossing in the first five months of 2024 alone, a record number that underscores the scale of the crisis.
This tragedy is a stark reminder of the need for authorities to address the root causes of the migration crisis, by providing more sustainable economic opportunities in migrants’ countries of origin, strengthening human rights protections and combating trafficking networks that exploit the vulnerability of people desperate for a better future.
In this time of mourning and reflection, it is imperative that the story of this tragedy serves as a catalyst for concrete action to end the needless loss of life at sea and provide safe and legal alternatives for people seeking protection and dignity. It is essential that the international community, governments and civil society organisations work together to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure that migration is a choice and not a matter of life and death.