Twenty-four people died when two boats capsized off the coast of Madagascar, Somalia’s government confirmed Sunday. Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi stated that 46 survivors were rescued, and efforts are underway to ensure their safe return and care. Most passengers were young Somalis, though their destination is unknown.
A Somali delegation, led by the ambassador to Ethiopia, will travel to Madagascar on Monday to investigate and assist survivors. Fiqi also mentioned that Somalia’s ambassador to Morocco will look into a report of Somali youth stranded on Morocco’s coastline. The U.N. migration agency has raised concerns about increasing irregular migration from the Horn of Africa due to conflict and drought.
