The United Nation has said more than 20 African migrants died after their smugglers threw them overboard off the coast of Djibouti.
According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), at least 80 people were thrown off to reduce the load on the vessel.
The boat was reportedly carrying about 200 migrants, including women and children at the time of the incident.
IOM officials say the migrants were headed to Yemen in order to reach Saudi Arabia to seek for jobs.
The head of IOM, António Vitorino said “At least 20 migrants drowned and 60 others are in distress after being thrown off a boat by smugglers.
Prosecuting traffickers and smugglers who prey on the vulnerabilities of migrants must be a priority.”
Grim news of more migrant deaths off the coast of Djibouti today.
At least 20 migrants drowned and 60 others are in distress after being thrown off a boat by smugglers.
Prosecuting traffickers and smugglers who prey on the vulnerabilities of migrants must be a priority.
— António Vitorino (@IOMchief) March 3, 2021
Source: Africafeeds.com
