Friday May 30, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of 20 Somali migrants who tragically died while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea en route to the Spanish island of Palma.
In a statement released on Friday, Farmaajo expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a national tragedy that underscores the harsh reality of irregular migration.
“This painful incident shows the real danger of migration that has cost the lives and future of our youth — youth who were the hope of this nation and who were expected to unite to rebuild the state and serve their people,” said the former president.
Farmaajo urged the Federal Government and regional state leaders to take urgent and concrete steps to prevent such tragedies, emphasizing that many Somali youth are driven to migrate due to frustration, lack of opportunities, and political instability.
He called for comprehensive reforms to empower Somali youth, warning against policies and governance failures that demoralize them.
“I call on the leadership at all levels to prioritize youth empowerment programs and to eliminate practices that harm youth morale, such as corruption, nepotism, insecurity, and political uncertainty,” Farmaajo added.
The victims, mostly young adults, are believed to have succumbed to dehydration, exposure, and starvation after their small, overcrowded boat stalled at sea. The group had reportedly departed from North Africa earlier in the week in search of safety and opportunity in Europe.
Only two survivors, both under the age of 18, were rescued by a passing merchant vessel after spending days adrift without food or water. They are currently receiving medical and psychological support in Palma.
Authorities in Spain have launched an investigation to identify the deceased and determine the circumstances of the voyage, including the conditions that led to the fatal journey.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and human rights groups have renewed calls for safer migration alternatives and stronger protection for vulnerable migrants, as the Mediterranean remains one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.
