By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

08034905774.

Libyan authorities have intercepted 87 migrants in separate maritime operations, while a boat carrying more than 15 people sank off Tunisia, leaving at least three people dead and several others missing.

The incidents were disclosed by Jihed, a PhD researcher in bioprotection of plants, in a series of posts.

According to Jihed, forces of the General Administration for Coastal Security, affiliated with the eastern Libyan General Command, intercepted two boats north of Sirte on Friday, August 21.

The operations, which took place at about 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., resulted in the interception of 52 people of different nationalities.

In another operation off Ras al-Tin, the coastal security forces intercepted a boat carrying 35 people, including 33 Sudanese nationals and two Egyptians.

The migrants were reportedly forced back to Tobruk.

Jihed said the latest operations brought the total number of migrants intercepted to 87, describing the situation as a recurring cycle of interception, forced return to Libya and detention.

Meanwhile, a separate maritime tragedy was reported late Thursday near Jdaria in Ben Guerdane, Tunisia, after a boat carrying more than 15 people sank while attempting to reach Italy.

Local fishermen from Ben Guerdane, Zarzis and Djerba reportedly rushed to the scene and rescued two young Tunisian men who were said to be in critical condition.

Three bodies were also recovered, while several others remained missing, including a pregnant woman.

Jihed called for intensified search and rescue operations, stressing that every minute was crucial in efforts to locate those still missing.

The latest incidents highlight the continuing dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean in search of safety and better opportunities in Europe.

By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

08034905774

The European Union has pledged to strengthen its support for Morocco in managing its borders following the recent migration crisis in which tens of thousands of migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, raising significant concerns over border security and migration management across Europe.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined the EU’s position in a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, emphasizing that Morocco remains a key strategic partner in addressing irregular migration into Europe. She stated that the bloc is prepared to expand financial, technical, and operational assistance to Rabat to reinforce border surveillance and enhance migration management capabilities.

The offer follows an unprecedented influx of migrants into Ceuta from Morocco, which placed considerable pressure on Spanish authorities and prompted emergency consultations among EU member states. The incident represents the first major test of the European Union’s recently implemented Migration and Asylum Pact, designed to improve coordination among member states while strengthening the protection of the bloc’s external borders.

Von der Leyen stressed that safeguarding Europe’s external borders requires close cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly Morocco, which serves as a critical transit point for migrants seeking entry into Europe.

She noted that enhanced cooperation would include strengthened border monitoring, increased intelligence sharing, improved efforts to dismantle migrant-smuggling networks, and additional support to prevent irregular crossings before migrants reach European territory.

The European Commission President also commended Morocco’s longstanding cooperation with the EU on migration matters, describing the country as an indispensable partner in promoting regional stability.

Meanwhile, EU interior ministers have held emergency consultations to consider stricter measures against human trafficking networks, accelerated return procedures for migrants without valid protection claims, and increased investment in external border management. Ministers also called for closer coordination with countries of origin and transit to reduce irregular migration flows.

The migration surge has prompted political debate across Europe, with some governments advocating for tighter border controls and stronger enforcement of migration rules, while humanitarian organisations have urged EU leaders to ensure that security measures remain consistent with migrants’ rights and access to asylum procedures.

Analysts suggest that the EU’s latest commitment reflects Brussels’ growing reliance on partnerships with neighbouring countries such as Morocco to manage migration before it reaches European borders. This approach is expected to feature prominently in future discussions on the bloc’s migration strategy as European leaders seek long-term solutions to irregular migration and cross-border security challenges.

Torrential rainfall has triggered widespread flooding across several West African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, leaving dozens dead, destroying property and disrupting economic activities as authorities warn residents to remain vigilant.

In Ghana, at least 13 people were killed after heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in the capital, Accra, according to the BBC. The government has urged residents to remain indoors or relocate to higher ground as emergency responders continue rescue operations.

The BBC reported that Accra’s flooding has been worsened by inadequate drainage infrastructure, blocked gutters and the construction of illegal buildings on waterways.

Ghanaian President John Mahama described the 140 millimetres of rainfall recorded during the storm as the highest experienced in the country in several years.

“That aspect of the problem is beyond our control because it is driven by changing climatic conditions,” Mahama wrote on X.

Videos circulating on social media showed residents stranded on rooftops and fences while floodwaters submerged neighbourhoods. Several affected communities also experienced power outages.

In neighbouring Togo, continuous heavy rainfall has flooded parts of the capital, Lomé, affecting homes and businesses across several communities.

Côte d’Ivoire has also been hit hard by the downpour, with at least 12 people reported dead and five others injured in the commercial capital, Abidjan, following days of relentless rainfall.

Nigeria has also experienced severe flooding after days of heavy rain, with social media videos showing streets transformed into rivers, vehicles trapped in floodwaters and residents wading through waist-deep water to salvage belongings.

In Lagos, many motorists were stranded for hours as major roads became impassable following intense rainfall. Similar flooding was reported in parts of Oyo, Ogun and Osun states, disrupting transportation and commercial activities.

Some Lagos residents said they were unable to reopen their businesses because floodwaters had yet to recede.

A resident identified simply as James said his family spent the night lifting household items to prevent damage.

“We barely slept last night. My home was flooded, and we had to raise our mattress so it wouldn’t soak up water,” he said.

Experts say Lagos remains particularly vulnerable to flooding due to rapid urbanisation, indiscriminate construction and extensive land reclamation that have reduced wetlands and natural floodplains capable of absorbing excess rainwater.

The latest flooding has renewed concerns over Nigeria’s recurring flood crisis despite repeated warnings from weather and hydrological agencies.

Earlier this year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in its 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, forecast above-normal rainfall, prolonged rainy seasons and heightened flood risks across many parts of the country.

The agency warned that flash floods were likely in several southern states, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta and Cross River.

Similarly, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), in its 2026 Annual Flood Outlook, identified 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory as being at risk of flooding during the rainy season.

The agency said more than 14,000 communities across 266 local government areas fall within high-risk flood zones, with the peak flooding period expected between July and September. Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Abia, Cross River and Delta were listed among the states most vulnerable to severe flooding.

Climate experts have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding across Africa to climate change, warning that the continent remains one of the regions most vulnerable to extreme weather despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.

They have called for increased investment in climate adaptation, improved drainage infrastructure, stronger early warning systems and greater international financial support to help African countries build resilience against climate-related disasters.

The call comes after negotiators at the recent United Nations climate talks in Bonn failed to agree on a new global adaptation finance framework ahead of the COP31 summit, with African countries seeking stronger financial commitments while developed nations pushed for further discussions on reporting mechanisms.

As West Africa grapples with devastating floods, Europe is simultaneously battling an intense heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in several countries, underscoring the growing global impac

t of extreme weather linked to climate change.