A devastating boat accident has claimed the lives of at least 69 individuals, including 25 Malians, after a makeshift vessel bound for Spain from West Africa capsized off the coast of Morocco. The boat, which was carrying approximately 80 people, faced disaster last week, but Mali's authorities only confirmed the incident on Thursday. Of those on board, 11 individuals survived the tragedy, with at least nine of them being from Mali.

Survivors' accounts and ongoing investigations are shedding light on the perilous journey that many migrants undertake to reach Europe. Mali, in particular, has been affected by years of jihadist and separatist violence, which has led to military coups in 2020 and 2021. The country's instability, combined with high unemployment rates and the impact of climate change on agriculture, has driven many to seek better opportunities in Europe.

However, the migration route from West Africa to Spain is notoriously dangerous. According to Caminando Fronteras, a Spanish rights charity, over 10,000 people have lost their lives attempting this journey by boat just this year. This staggering figure represents an average of 30 deaths per day, making this route one of the most perilous migrant paths in the world.

As the international community mourns the loss of life in this tragedy, there is increasing focus on the urgent need for safer and more humane migration policies. The crisis unit dispatched by Mali's authorities to monitor the situation is a positive step, but more action is necessary to address the root causes of migration and to ensure the safety of those pursuing a better life.