Djibouti(Mogadishu24)-Ethiopia and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have ramped up efforts to address illegal human trafficking following a recent tragedy off Djibouti’s coast, where 48 Ethiopian migrants perished.

Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti, Berhanu Tsegaye, announced on Monday that 56 irregular migrants were safely repatriated by plane, a step in Ethiopia’s broader campaign to curb dangerous migration routes.

Ambassador Tsegaye highlighted the peril of the Ethio-Djibouti-Yemen route, which is exploited by human trafficking networks and claims lives daily. “Every parent should work at home to prevent this practice,” Tsegaye urged, emphasizing the need for community efforts to protect young Ethiopians from such risks.

The recent tragedy involved two overcrowded boats carrying 320 migrants, illustrating the grave dangers associated with illegal migration and the urgency of regional cooperation to combat trafficking networks.

The Ethiopian government, in collaboration with IOM, continues to intensify awareness campaigns and border security measures to prevent further loss of life.