Mali in mourning following a new migration tragedy off the coast of Mauritania

Six people have died, and 28 others survived a shipwreck off the coast of Mauritania, marking one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in recent months. The incident occurred on Sunday, December 22, 2024, as sub-Saharan migrants, all Malian nationals, attempted to reach Europe aboard a small boat departing from Nouadhibou, Mauritania’s second-largest city.

The High Council of Malians Abroad confirmed the identities of the victims and survivors, all bearing names from Mali. Mamadou Lamine Bane, the council’s secretary for social affairs, noted that efforts to locate everyone onboard are ongoing.

“We received a list of 34 individuals, including six reported dead. We are cross-checking the information to determine the status of the survivors and the fate of the deceased,” Bane explained.

In response to the tragedy, Malian Prime Minister Major General Abdoulaye Maïga emphasized the need for immediate action against smuggling networks facilitating irregular migration. “The statistics underline the urgency of collective efforts to address the challenges of irregular migration,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of creating opportunities at home to discourage dangerous journeys. “We must not only intensify the fight against human trafficking and smuggling networks but also foster conditions that encourage young people to remain in their communities. Migration should be the exception, not the rule,” he added.

Each year, countless young Malians lose their lives in the Mediterranean or the Sahara, driven by the hope of a better future in Europe. This latest disaster underscores the ongoing peril faced by migrants and the pressing need for sustainable solutions.