Madagascar and Djibouti Shipwrecks Highlight Migrants' Deadly Journeys on the East African Route
A series of tragic shipwrecks in 2024 highlights the perils faced by migrants on the East African Route, one of the world’s deadliest migration corridors. Recent incidents near Madagascar and Djibouti have claimed dozens of lives, underscoring the urgent need for international cooperation to address unsafe migration, human trafficking, and systemic issues driving these journeys. Efforts by organizations like the IOM aim to provide aid and protection, but challenges persist in ensuring safe pathways and addressing root causes.
Shipwrecks in Madagascar and Djibouti
A series of devastating shipwrecks in 2024 has drawn attention to the dangers faced by migrants embarking on perilous sea journeys from Eastern Africa to Yemen, and from there to the rest of the Arab Peninsula. The most recent tragedy occurred on the 12th of November, off Madagascar’s coast, where two boats carrying Somali nationals capsized, killing 24 people. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi confirmed the rescue of 46 survivors, with efforts underway to bring them home safely. “We are working tirelessly to ensure survivors are cared for and reunited with their families,” said Fiqi. The intended destination of these boats remains unclear, though such journeys often aim for the Gulf states via Yemen. Somali officials have dispatched a delegation to Madagascar to investigate the incident and coordinate support for the survivors. This tragedy is part of a grim pattern. On October 1, two vessels sank near Djibouti’s northwest Khor Angar region, killing at least 45 migrants and leaving dozens missing. The boats, carrying 310 people, had departed for Yemen before capsizing just 150 meters from shore. Djibouti’s coastguard and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched joint rescue operations, saving 115 individuals.
“The survivors remain our priority, and efforts to locate the missing are ongoing,” stated the Djiboutian just hours after the incident coastguard. Still today, hundreds of people remain missing, probably lying dead on the ocean floor. Earlier in the year, on July 14, another boat carrying migrants from the Horn of Africa capsized in the Gulf of Aden, leading to 40 confirmed deaths and leaving 60 missing. This came just three months after a similar incident in April, where 38 migrants died when their boat sank near Djibouti’s coastline. Survivors from both incidents reported overcrowded vessels and abuse by smugglers. The IOM has raised alarms about the sharp rise in such cases, noting that nearly 1,000 people have died or gone missing on the Eastern Route in recent years. The recurring tragedies have prompted calls for stronger action to address the crisis. “These shipwrecks are not isolated events but part of a broader humanitarian emergency,” said an IOM spokesperson. Authorities in Somalia and Djibouti have emphasized the urgent need for international cooperation to ensure safer migration pathways and crack down on human traffickers exploiting vulnerable populations.
The Eastern Route – A Deadly Gateway to the Gulf
The Eastern Route, which connects the Horn of Africa to Yemen and the Gulf states, is one of the busiest and most dangerous migratory corridors in the world. Every year, tens of thousands of migrants — primarily from Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti — attempt the treacherous journey to escape poverty, conflict, and climate-induced hardships. The scale of migration along this route is staggering. In 2023, nearly 400,000 migrant movements were recorded, a significant increase from previous years. Yet, the risks are enormous. Overcrowded and poorly maintained vessels, operated by unscrupulous smugglers, pose constant threats of capsizing. Migrants also face starvation, dehydration, and violence en route. According to the IOM, nearly 700 migrants, including women and children, perished in 2023 while attempting to cross the Gulf of Aden.
The dangers extend beyond the sea. Migrants often travel for weeks or months on foot or by vehicle through harsh terrains, facing extortion, abuse, and exploitation by traffickers. Women and children are particularly vulnerable; 46% of arrivals in Yemen in 2023 were women and children, with many minors traveling alone. “Children on this route endure unimaginable risks, from trafficking to sexual violence,” said UNICEF Regional Advisor Nankali Maksud. Despite these dangers, the Eastern Route remains a lifeline for many seeking better opportunities. However, addressing the root causes of migration is critical. Ethiopia, for instance, has launched initiatives to reduce irregular migration through poverty alleviation and skills development. “Challenges like these cannot be tackled by a single country. A coordinated international effort is essential,” said Daniel Tenkir Agra, Ethiopia’s Minister Counsellor. International organizations, including the IOM, have appealed for $112 million under the Regional Migrant Response Plan to provide life-saving assistance and protection services along the Eastern and Southern Routes. However, funding remains critically low, hampering efforts to address the crisis effectively.
Stranded in Yemen – A Cycle of Violence and Exploitation
For those who survive the hazardous journey to Yemen, the challenges are far from over. Yemen, embroiled in a prolonged conflict, has become both a transit point and a trap for African migrants. Many hope to continue to Saudi Arabia, but thousands find themselves stranded in dire conditions. The IOM estimates that 308,000 African migrants are currently in Yemen, many of whom face appalling human rights abuses. According to Mohammed Al-Selwi of Mwatana for Human Rights, migrants in Yemen endure “horrifying and brutal violations,” including murder, torture, and sexual violence. The Houthi movement, a key actor in Yemen’s conflict, has been accused of detaining and exploiting migrants for forced labor and extortion.
Traffickers operating on both sides of the Bab al-Mandab strait further exacerbate the crisis. Migrants report being beaten, starved, and held for ransom by smugglers. Women and girls face the added threat of sexual exploitation. “Migrants stranded in Yemen are among the most vulnerable, trapped in a cycle of violence and abuse,” said Matt Huber, IOM’s acting chief of mission in Yemen. The humanitarian crisis has led to urgent calls for action. The IOM has ramped up efforts to provide safe and voluntary return options for stranded migrants. However, the demand for such services far exceeds the available resources. International donors and governments must step up to address this critical need. The plight of migrants along the Eastern Route is a stark reminder of the broader systemic issues driving irregular migration. Long-term solutions, including addressing poverty, conflict, and climate change in origin countries, are essential to stem the flow of desperate journeys. Until then, thousands of lives will continue to be at risk on one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.
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