A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Djibouti where a migrant boat capsized, resulting in the death of at least 16 individuals with 28 more reported missing.
This incident highlights the dangers of the Eastern Migration Route, a treacherous path that many take from Africa to the Middle East. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that 77 people, including children, were aboard the ill-fated boat. The IOM is currently collaborating with local authorities to conduct search and rescue operations.
Annually, a large number of African migrants undertake the perilous journey across the Red Sea known as the Eastern Route. Their destination often lies in war-torn Yemen, with aspirations of eventually reaching Saudi Arabia. These migrants are driven by a desire to escape from conflict, natural calamities, or to pursue improved economic prospects.
Djibouti serves as a crucial transit point for migrants aiming to reach the Gulf countries, given its proximity of approximately 26 kilometres to the nearest point across the sea.
The IOM has warned that this migration route is fraught with dangers. Migrants often fall prey to human traffickers and face risks such as abduction, unjust arrests, and forced conscription into conflict zones, especially in Yemen.
This tragedy comes shortly after another heartbreaking incident where a boat carrying predominantly Ethiopian migrants sank in the same waters off Djibouti, resulting in numerous fatalities. Many of these migrants were attempting to return to the Horn of Africa after escaping Yemen, where they were left stranded and in precarious conditions.