Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Comores Infos
Published on 2024-04-18 16:53:59
Since February 2024, dozens of Malagasy sailors have been stranded in the Comoros, unable to return home due to Madagascar’s decision to suspend all maritime connections with the archipelago to protect against the current cholera epidemic. This drastic measure comes as several Malagasy ships were in the ports of Moroni and Anjouan.
These sailors, confined aboard their ships, are living in difficult conditions, isolated from the outside world and their families. In an appeal to President Andry Rajoelina, they have emphasized that they are in good health and implored the government to allow them to return home. They have also pointed out the irony of the situation: while maritime connections are cut off, flights between the Comoros and Madagascar continue, with sanitary measures such as taking tablets upon arrival to minimize the risk of cholera transmission.
Meanwhile, the Malagasy authorities maintain these restrictions as a necessary measure to prevent an epidemic on their territory. So far, no contamination has been detected in Madagascar, a sign that the preventive measures could be effective. But for the stranded sailors, each day that passes without a solution to their distress is another day too far from home.
Saïd Hassan Oumouri
Read the original article(French) on Comores Infos
