Key facts
- Thousands of Yemenis are seeking refuge in Djibouti due to conflict and economic hardship.
- Djibouti has historically been a destination for Yemenis due to its proximity and welcoming policies.
- African migrants, primarily from Ethiopia and Somalia, continue to arrive in Yemen, using it as a transit point to Saudi Arabia.
- Despite Yemen's own humanitarian crisis, locals are providing aid to both Yemeni refugees and African migrants.
- Historical social ties exist between Yemen and countries in the Horn of Africa, influencing current migration patterns.
Thousands of Yemenis are seeking safety and work in Djibouti as the conflict in their home country re-escalates, while African migrants continue to arrive in Yemen, using it as a transit point. Djibouti has historically been a primary destination for Yemenis due to its proximity and welcoming policies, with thousands traveling back and forth by sea or air.
Since September, an estimated 128,000 people have been newly displaced in Yemen, adding to the 5.2 million already internally displaced. As of September 18, the UNHCR recorded 3,601 new arrivals in Djibouti seeking refuge from the fighting. Djibouti authorities have called on humanitarian organizations to assist these new refugees, who are currently staying in camps under difficult conditions. Many new arrivals find it hard to secure work, as many Yemenis already in Djibouti are unemployed.
Concurrently, migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia continue to arrive in Yemen, despite the ongoing conflict. In August, 11,397 migrants entered Yemen, a 17 percent decrease from July, with Djibouti being the primary departure point. The majority of migrants entering Yemen are Ethiopian nationals. These migrants often rely on the charity of locals for food and shelter, viewing Yemen as a transit hub to reach Saudi Arabia.
Despite Yemen's own severe humanitarian crisis, with 22.3 million people requiring assistance, locals are demonstrating empathy. Restaurants in governorates like Aden and Lahj distribute free food to those in need, including both Yemenis and African migrants, as an act of charity. Many Yemenis also provide small cash donations to migrants out of compassion. This generosity is rooted in deep historical social ties between Yemen and countries in the Horn of Africa, where communities have historically supported each other during difficult times.