More than 2,000 Yemenis flee to Djibouti as insecurity worsens

An estimated more than 2,000 people have crossed from Yemen into Djibouti in recent days as worsening insecurity along Yemen’s western coast drives an increasing number of people to seek safety across the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Authorities and humanitarian officials said the influx has accelerated since September 10, with many of those arriving in Djibouti being women and children.

Djiboutian authorities reported that the number of arrivals had reached 2,084 by Sunday, up from an initial estimate of about 1,600 people.

Most of the new arrivals crossed the Bab al-Mandab Strait and reached Djibouti’s northern Obock region, which has become a key entry point for people fleeing insecurity in Yemen.

The increase in arrivals has placed additional pressure on humanitarian and local authorities as they work to provide assistance and basic services to the displaced population.

The latest movement highlights the continuing humanitarian consequences of insecurity in Yemen and the vulnerability of communities living along the western coast and around the Bab al-Mandab maritime corridor.

Humanitarian agencies and Djiboutian authorities are monitoring the situation as more people could seek refuge in the country if insecurity along Yemen’s western coastline continues.

Mustaqbal