The ongoing conflict in Yemen has led to a significant increase in the number of people fleeing their homes. Many Yemenis are crossing the Red Sea to seek refuge in Djibouti as fighting intensifies between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed government troops. The situation has become dire as families risk everything to escape the violence.
Seeking Safety Across the Sea
Ibrahim Issa, a 50-year-old from Dhubab, a coastal town on the front lines of the conflict, is one of many who have made the perilous journey. He and his family, along with other refugees, have found temporary shelter at the Markazi camp in Obock, northern Djibouti. The camp, managed by the UN and the Djibouti government, has become a sanctuary for those escaping the horrors of war.
“We had to leave when our children were terrified by the sound of planes,” explains Issa. “As parents, we need to protect them. That’s why we fled.” Issa used his fishing boat to transport his family across the Bab al-Mandab Strait, even bringing along some goats for sustenance. Others arrived with only the clothes on their backs, exhausted from their journey.
Refugee Influx and Humanitarian Response
The UN estimates over 120,000 Yemenis have been displaced due to recent escalations along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. In the last few days alone, more than 3,000 refugees have arrived at the Markazi camp. Many recount similar stories of fleeing relentless airstrikes and violence, irrespective of which side is responsible.
Djibouti, despite its militarized status and strategic location, remains neutral in the conflict. The nation hosts foreign military bases, including those of the US and China, but focuses on providing refuge for displaced Yemenis.
Voices of the Displaced
Among the camp’s residents is Qassim Abraham Abssy, a 100-year-old former fisherman. “The planes forced us to leave,” he says, recalling the terrifying sounds that drove him and his family to safety. Like many others, he is not concerned with which faction is responsible for the bombings, only that they stop.
Mohammed Abdullarim, a 63-year-old from Aden, has lived in the camp since 2015. As he reflects on the ongoing suffering of his compatriots, he expresses gratitude to the Djibouti government for their support but remains deeply saddened by his country’s plight.
The Uncertain Path Ahead
The future for these refugees remains uncertain. The breakdown of a UN-mediated truce has led to renewed hostilities, leaving many to wonder when or if they can return home. “We want peace for our children’s future,” says Aisha Abdulkadir Mohammed, Issa’s wife. “We pray for it, but until then, we stay where it’s safe.”
The human cost of the Yemeni conflict is staggering, overshadowed by geopolitical concerns. Yet, for those like Qassim Abssy and his wife, the hope for peace remains their guiding light in these troubled times.
