At least 22 Somali migrants died when two boats capsized off Madagascar over the weekend, while attempting to reach Mayotte. The boats, which set sail from Somalia on November 2, were discovered by local fishermen and authorities, who rescued 48 people.
At least 22 Somali citizens died when two migrant boats capsized off the coast of Madagascar over the weekend, according to Somalia’s Information Minister Daud Aweis. The boats had been en route from Somalia to the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, a journey of several hundred kilometers, when the incidents occurred.
Madagascar’s Port, Maritime, and River Authority (APMF) reported that the boats departed Somalia on November 2, with the first boat discovered drifting near Nosy Iranja by local fishermen on Friday. The fishermen rescued 25 people, including 10 men and 15 women, but seven of the boat's occupants perished. A second boat, carrying 38 people, was found at Madagascar’s Port du Cratère, where 23 people were rescued. The maritime authority did not immediately provide a death toll for the second boat.
Minister Aweis, citing information from Madagascar officials, confirmed that 22 Somali migrants had died in the two incidents. “There were about 70 Somalis on board the two boats, and 22 of them died,” Aweis said during a state television broadcast late on Sunday.
In recent years, thousands of people have attempted the dangerous crossing to Mayotte, which offers better living conditions and access to France's welfare system. While Mayotte is officially a part of France, it is claimed by the Comoros.
Aweis stated that Somalia would investigate the origins of the ill-fated voyage, labeling those who organize such perilous trips as criminals involved in illegal immigration. He also issued a stern warning to others considering similar journeys, urging them to avoid risking their lives. “It is unfortunate that people continue to embark on such dangerous journeys despite the risks,” he added.
Earlier in November, at least 25 people died when traffickers capsized a boat off the Comoros islands.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that a US document on security guarantees for Ukraine is fully ready to be signed, as Kyiv an...
A U.S. document setting out security guarantees for Ukraine is fully prepared and Kyiv is waiting for confirmation of when and where it will be signed...
Libya signed a series of multilateral agreements with international and regional partners, including Türkiye, aimed at boosting energy production, ac...
The Georgian government plans to draw up a long-term strategic development plan extending through 2036, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said...
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces had taken control of the village of Starytsya in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, near the border town of Vovch...
Here are the latest stories from AnewZ’s Africa News programme, focusing on political and security developments across the African continent.
An extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has been held to reaffirm support for Somalia’s sovereignty, with Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev taking part amid concern over moves to recognise the breakaway region of Somaliland.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Azerbaijan fully supports the unity and internationally recognised borders of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency session on Monday to discuss Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, amid criticism from African, Middle Eastern, and other international actors.
Iran will treat any military attack as an “all-out war,” a senior Iranian official said on Friday, as the United States moves additional naval and air assets into the Middle East during rising tensions that are already disrupting civilian air travel.
Firefighters were clearing the charred ruins of a Karachi shopping mall in Pakistan on Tuesday (20 January) as they searched for people still missing after a fire that burned for nearly two days and killed at least 67 people, police said.
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on 23 January there are signs Israel is still seeking an opportunity to attack Iran, warning that such a move could further destabilise the Middle East.
Belgium has banned aircraft transporting weapons and military equipment to Israel from using its airspace or making technical stops, the Foreign Ministry confirmed to Anadolu on Friday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Canada is opposing the possible construction of his proposed ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system over Greenland, despite what he claimed would be security benefits for Canada.
A U.S. document setting out security guarantees for Ukraine is fully prepared and Kyiv is waiting for confirmation of when and where it will be signed, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday, suggesting that weekend talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi yielded some progress.
German police have arrested a Lebanese national on suspicion of being a member of Hamas and of helping to plan attacks in Europe, prosecutors have said.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 25 January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Spain has faced a string of railway accidents in one week, including one of Europe’s deadliest in recent years, raising questions about whether maintenance investment is keeping pace with soaring passenger demand on the world’s largest high-speed rail network.
More than 500,000 customers in the U.S., as far west as Texas, were without power on Sunday (25 January), while more than 9,600 flights were expected to be cancelled.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment