The United Nations migration agency reported that at least 25 people, including women and children, died after traffickers deliberately capsized their boat in the Indian Ocean near the Comoros islands. The incident occurred between the Comoros island of Anjouan and the French island of Mayotte, a common migration route where many have lost their lives over the years. Fishermen rescued five survivors who indicated that the boat was carrying around 30 people of various nationalities, including seven women and several young children.
The Comoros Islands, a group of three islands, are a poverty-stricken nation where almost half of the 900,000 inhabitants live below the poverty line and lack access to healthcare. Mayotte, the poorest department of France, is located nearby and maintains French infrastructure and welfare systems. Many refugees from Comoros pay smugglers to transport them to Mayotte in dangerous fishing boats, known as “kwassa-kwassa.” Despite the risks, these dangerous sea crossings continue to be a preferred method for migrants seeking a better quality of life in Mayotte.
A report from the French Senate estimates that between 7,000 and 10,000 people have died attempting the journey from Comoros to Mayotte between 1995 and 2012, although the actual number may be higher. Nearly half of Mayotte’s population of around 320,000 are migrants, with 95 percent of them being from Comoros. The Comoros archipelago, a Muslim-majority region located between Mozambique and Madagascar, was once a French colony. In 1974, Mayotte opted to remain part of France while the other islands gained independence and formed the nation of Comoros.
The IOM statement highlighted two similar tragedies in the same area in the past three months. In one instance, a boat carrying 12 people, including children and a pregnant woman, disappeared while en route from Anjouan to Mayotte. In another incident, eight individuals, including a 12-year-old boy, lost their lives in a comparable scenario. These occurrences underscore the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to make the perilous journey across the Indian Ocean in search of a better future.
The dangerous migration route between Comoros and Mayotte has claimed many lives over the years, with countless individuals perishing at sea while seeking refuge or economic opportunities. The tragic incident involving the deliberate capsizing of a boat highlights the ruthless tactics employed by traffickers in exploiting vulnerable migrants. The international community, including the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations, must continue to address the root causes of irregular migration and provide support to those risking their lives in search of a better future.
Efforts to address the challenges faced by migrants, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and dangerous sea crossings, require comprehensive solutions that prioritize human rights and safety. The Comoros Islands and Mayotte serve as reminders of the stark disparities in wealth and resources that drive individuals to undertake risky journeys in search of a better life. By addressing these underlying issues and promoting safer migration pathways, countries can work towards preventing future tragedies and ensuring the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their place of birth.
