Mali toddler's death puts a human face on the migrant crisis

She was just two years old and she was from Mali. And her death this weekend after days fighting for her life puts a harrowingly human face on the migrant crisis in the Canary Islands.

She was brought to Arguineguin port on Gran Canaria island last Tuesday after Spain’s Salvamento Maritimo coastguard rescued a boat carrying 52 people, among them her mother and older sister, who had spent days at sea surviving on seawater.

All but dead, two Red Cross medics worked furiously to revive the toddler on the harbour floor, their desperate rescue efforts ultimately successful in a series of poignant images that made headlines in Spain and beyond. Still in critical condition suffering from severe hypothermia, she spent five days in intensive care at one of the island’s hospitals, but died on Sunday.

She was the 19th person known to have died this year while attempting the treacherous sea voyage from the coast of Africa, a route which is attracting soaring numbers of migrants.

Angel Victor Torres, the Canaries’ regional head, said her death gave a harrowing glimpse into the plight of those willing to risk life and limb for a better life. The Atlantic route is notoriously dangerous due to extremely strong currents, with vessels typically overcrowded and in very poor condition.

At least 1,851 people died en route in 2020, according to Caminando Fronteras, which monitors migrant flows. Although it’s the route with the highest mortality rate, it is becoming increasingly busy: people are taking the risk because of the increased patrols along the Mediterranean routes,” the NGO says.

In other news – Is Mapaseka Koetle aka Dintle Nyathi Leaving Scandal?

Actress, Mapaseka Koetle-Nyokong who plays the much loved character of Dintle Nyathi on Scandal is set to join a new comedy show on SABC2, alongside veteran actor, Sello Sebotsane.