Migrant Boat Capsizes Off the Coast of Djibouti

In the second tragedy involving irregular migration in Ethiopia within two weeks, 21 Ethiopians drowned, and 23 others went missing after a boat carrying 77 people capsized off the coast of Djibouti, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Tanga Pascal Pacifique, head of the IOM’s office in Djibouti, stated that “the death toll has risen in recent hours, from 16 to 21,” adding that 33 individuals, all Ethiopian nationals, were rescued.

The Ethiopian Embassy in Djibouti confirmed that five women and children were among the deceased and expressed its condolences to the victims’ families.

Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye said, “We express our condolences for our compatriots who lost their lives in this tragic incident.”

He added, “The illegal journeys from Djibouti to Middle Eastern countries are extremely dangerous, and we are constantly losing lives due to irregular migration.”

It is worth noting that a boat wreck two weeks ago claimed the lives of 38 Ethiopian nationals off the coast of Djibouti.

The International Organization for Migration is the leading intergovernmental agency in the field of migration. Established in 1951, it works with a wide range of partners, including governments and international organizations, according to its official website.