Saturday December 7, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Forty-seven Somali migrants rescued from two boats that capsized off the coast of Madagascar arrived safely in Mogadishu on Saturday.
The Somali government facilitated the evacuation following a tragic incident in which 24 passengers lost their lives, and 46 others survived in the last month.
One of the survivors recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating, "When the boat capsized, we were 75 people. We were at sea for 13 days without a driver. The boats ran aground, and those who died succumbed to hunger. A fisherman saved us from Madagascar. We thank God and our Somali government, as well as the government of Madagascar."
The federal government expressed gratitude to all individuals, governments, and organizations contributing to evacuation and rescue efforts.
The rescue comes two days after the government repatriated 161 Somali nationals stranded in Libya through the United Nations-backed Voluntary Humanitarian Return program.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi confirmed that 74 of the repatriated individuals were returned to Hargeisa in northwestern Somalia, while 87 others arrived in Mogadishu.
The rise in migration from Somalia is attributed to persistent insecurity and limited employment opportunities, particularly among youth under 30, who comprise 75% of the population.