Mogadishu(SONNA)-The Federal Government of Somalia mourns the loss of lives following the tragic capsizing of two boats carrying Somali nationals near Madagascar on November 23, 2024. His Excellency Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud , President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, extends his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and assures the Somali people of the government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the safe return of the survivors.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation dispatched two senior delegates to Madagascar to assess the situation and coordinate with local authorities. Their findings confirm that the boats carried 75 Somali nationals. Tragically, 28 individuals lost their lives. Of those, 23 were buried at sea, while four women and one young man were laid to rest in Madagascar.
The remaining 47 survivors—16 women and 31 young men—were rescued near the Island of Nosy Iranja by Malagasy fishermen, whose heroic efforts saved dozens of lives. The survivors were transported to the Island of Nosy Be, where they are currently housed in a sports facility for processing. The Federal Government of Somalia expresses its deep gratitude to the people of Madagascar for their swift and compassionate response, which underscores the spirit of humanity and solidarity in times of crisis.
The Somali nationals began their journey in Mogadishu, travelling first to Nairobi and then to Mombasa, where they embarked on this tragic voyage by boat. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is collaborating with Kenyan authorities to bolster the security and protection of Somali nationals and to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
The Somali government is also working closely with Malagasy authorities to ensure the survivors’ safe and dignified repatriation. In addition, efforts are underway to repatriate 109 Somali youth detained in Libya, who are scheduled to return on Thursday, as well as to assist Somali nationals facing hardship in Togo and other regions, including those previously stranded in Madagascar and Libya.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Ali Mohamed Omar, stated:
“This tragedy has left an indelible mark on our nation, reminding us of the dangerous realities many face in pursuit of better opportunities. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Malagasy fishermen whose bravery saved many lives and to the authorities in Madagascar for their cooperation during this difficult time. The Federal Government of Somalia remains committed to bringing our people home safely, ensuring justice for those affected, and strengthening international partnerships to prevent such incidents from happening again.”
The Ministry will provide regular updates as these efforts progress.
