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In his capacity as Chair of the African Union, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness at the death of 64 migrants who had stowed away in a truck that was discovered by immigration authorities in Mozambique early yesterday, Tuesday, 24 March 2020.

Media reports suggest 14 migrants survived this tragedy in which migrants were being transported in an airless shipping container.

President Ramaphosa commended Mozambican authorities on their vigilance which led to the grim discovery.

The President said: “Amid the focus of our continent and the global community on the coronavirus pandemic, the death of a large number of migrants reportedly in transit from Malawi to Mozambique is a devastating tragedy for our continent.

“This incident reminds us of the continuing toll exacted by the movement of people across our continent who face grave danger as they undertake these journeys in which illicit networks play a role.

“We must redouble our efforts to secure peace, stability and development in all parts of our continent to create opportunities that will allow people to actualise their human potential wherever they are in Africa.

“The desperate movement of people across our continent or between our continent and other destinations is a clear call on all of us to create and sustain economic opportunities that will change the fortunes of all Africans for the better.”

Issued by the Presidency