The Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has learnt with profound sadness another tragic loss of an estimated 70 African migrants, mainly from Ethiopia in the Red Sea Coast of Yemen. According to Yemeni authorities, the boat sank on 6 December 2014, after encountering rough waves and violent winds.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma expresses her deepest condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the bereaved. She further expressed grave concern regarding the recurrence of these preventable tragedies, and therefore urges the relevant authorities to investigate these incidents. She also calls on all Member States and other Governments to work together to reduce loss of lives among people making sea voyages across the Red Sea and other major sea frontiers.

The Chairperson is dismayed by the fact that statistically more migrants have died at sea this year than the past three years combined, with the majority of the victims being Africans. This latest incident coming almost 14 months after about 359 migrants lost their lives off the coast of Lampedusa is a poignant reminder of the challenges of irregular migration. Dr. Dlamini Zuma said all must be done to stop this.