recently, in the Comoros archipelago, a migrant smuggling boat capsized in a tragic incident, resulting in the loss of 25 lives. According to a UNHCR report, the vessel, carrying approximately 30 people, including 7 women and 4 minors, was deliberately sunk by traffickers. Miraculously, 5 survivors were rescued by fishermen the following day.
This is not an isolated incident; it is the third such tragedy in the region in recent months. In September, a boat carrying 12 people, including 2 children and a pregnant woman, went missing after departing the Anjouan island. In August, a similar incident occurred, claiming the lives of 8 people, including a 12-year-old boy.
This crisis highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of migrant irregularity and the trafficking networks that exploit the most vulnerable populations. Increased safety measures, cooperation between governments, and support for affected communities are essential to prevent further tragedies.