The African Union Commission has expressed sadness over the tragic loss of 109 lives, including children, following the capsizing of a boat carrying migrants off the coast of Djibouti.

The International Organisation for Migration said on Sunday that the boat was travelling from Djibouti to Yemen on Thursday when it capsized near the port town of Obock.

It noted that 82 people survived the incident.

Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and expressed his solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy.

Mr Youssouf further stressed the urgent need for strengthened regional and international cooperation to address the root causes of irregular migration, combat migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons, and promote safe, orderly and regular migration, in accordance with relevant AU frameworks and international commitments.

He also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment “to working with member states and partners to protect the lives and dignity of migrants, particularly vulnerable groups, including children, and to advance coordinated efforts to prevent such tragedies”.