**Survivors of maritime tragedy return to Mogadishu**
Survivors of a maritime tragedy have recently returned to Mogadishu, where they were welcomed by government officials. After being rescued following the sinking of two boats off the coast of Madagascar last month, nearly 50 Somalis have been able to return to dry land. Sadly, the incident claimed the lives of approximately 25 people.
As they arrived at the airport, emotional scenes illuminated the reunion between the survivors and their loved ones. “I extend my condolences to those who perished in the accident, including my sister Hanan. I am happy that my brother Ahmed has returned safely,” said a visibly moved Haboon Deeqa. “I am grateful to everyone involved in the rescue and safe return of the survivors. Thank you all,” she added.
After spending nearly a month at sea in the hope of reaching the French territory of Mayotte, some 1,000 miles away, the group was faced with a tragic reality. “There were 75 of us in total, and 28 people lost their lives. Among them was my cousin, my uncle’s daughter. Forty-seven of us, including me, survived the accident,” said Ahmed Hussein Mahadalle, one of the survivors.
Unemployment, poverty and drought in the Horn of Africa are driving many young Somalis to undertake the dangerous journey to Mayotte, in the hope of reaching Europe and a better life. Recently, Somalia’s foreign minister urged the country’s youth to be aware of the risks and prioritize their safety.
Maryan Yasin, the presidential adviser on refugee affairs, expressed her joy at the group’s safe return. “They assured me that they would never take such a risk again. The Somali government is committed to finding a solution, and this solution will be a collective effort.”
The United Nations has expressed concern about the increasing number of people fleeing conflict and drought in the Horn of Africa. It is crucial to raise awareness of the dangers of these perilous journeys and to find sustainable solutions to address these challenges.