Refugees in Djibouti

Thousands of Ethiopians fleeing conflict in northern Ethiopia are attempting to reach Yemen and eventually Saudi Arabia, driven by the hope of finding a better life. Many of these refugees will not survive the journey, and a shadow economy has emerged around their passage through Djibouti.

Conditions in Obock

The landscape around Obock in northern Djibouti is arid and harsh, with cracked ground and scorched vegetation. Fifteen-year-old Kyrad, who fled the Tigray region, describes the dangers of the route, noting that many of her fellow travelers have died and been abandoned without proper burials.

Journey to Yemen

According to the International Organization for Migration (OIM), more than 57,000 Ethiopians arrived in Djibouti between January and June 2026, with over 51,000 continuing on to Yemen. Many of these exiles are preparing for a perilous crossing of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, the final step before reaching Yemen.

Human trafficking networks

In the mountains near Obock, a group of Ethiopian exiles gather under a makeshift tent to pay for their passage to Yemen. Omar, one of the men organizing the crossings, admits to participating in human trafficking, a practice that sustains his family in a region with few economic opportunities.

Escaping war and recruitment

Teddy, a 26-year-old from Tigray, fled forced military recruitment after the resumption of fighting in northern Ethiopia. He says he would rather risk dying on the journey to Saudi Arabia than be conscripted into a war he did not choose. The Tigray People's Liberation Front has threatened sanctions, including the death penalty, for those who refuse to participate in the conflict.

Climate change and displacement

In addition to war, climate change has forced many Ethiopians to leave their homes. Droughts and floods have destroyed crops and livestock, leaving families with few options. Abdi Icha, who has been walking for three months, says the lack of rain has made life increasingly difficult, pushing him to seek a better future in Saudi Arabia.

Women among the exiles

In 2025, 27% of recorded exiles in Djibouti were women, many fleeing forced marriages or female genital mutilation. These women face significant risks of sexual violence, trafficking, and exploitation during their journey.

Life in Obock

In the streets of Obock, Ethiopian exiles search for food, water, and work to fund their journey to Saudi Arabia. Many are forced to take temporary jobs, such as unloading goods from Yemen or working in local households, as they wait for the chance to cross the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

Smuggling networks and intermediaries

The journey from Tigray to Yemen involves a network of intermediaries known as dilal, who facilitate each stage of the journey. Kyrad paid $500 to a dilal to reach Obock, while others have faced harsh conditions despite the promise of an easier passage.

High costs of survival

Water and food are sold at inflated prices in Obock, with a bottle of water costing up to 250 birrs, even when it is not drinkable. Teddy describes the difficulty of finding affordable and safe supplies as he prepares for the dangerous crossing to Yemen.

Historical maritime routes

The port of Obock has long been a hub for maritime trade between Djibouti and Yemen. Today, fishing boats dock daily, some of which are used by smuggling and human trafficking networks to transport exiles across the Gulf of Aden.

Smuggling through the port

At low tide, fishing boats run aground on the sandbanks of Obock port. While most are used for fishing, some are diverted by smuggling networks to transport people to Yemen. These boats have been used for centuries, but now they serve a dangerous and illegal purpose.

Numbers and aspirations

In 2025, over 200,000 Ethiopian exiles entered Djibouti, with 85% hoping to reach Saudi Arabia. Smuggling networks promise opportunities in a country undergoing transformation, including the World Cup 2034 and Vision 2030 development plans.

Dangers at the border

Ahmed*, a 19-year-old who was arrested, beaten, and expelled by Saudi authorities, describes the brutality he faced. He spent more than 500 euros to reach Saudi Arabia, only to be met with violence and rejection.

Exploitation and death penalties

Some Ethiopians are forced to carry drugs in exchange for passage, risking the death penalty if caught. At least 17 Ethiopians have been executed in Saudi Arabia since January 2026, including five on July 27 for hashish trafficking.

The final crossing

Each evening, overcrowded boats leave Obock’s shore for Yemen, often carrying more than 150 exiles. Many of these travelers cannot swim, and the journey is perilous. Youssouf* survived a capsized boat, but 100 of his fellow travelers died.

Corruption and smuggling

Abdo Dini Abdoulkader, a guide for exiles, says Djibouti authorities do not stop smuggling activities. He pays police at checkpoints to allow the crossings to continue. Nour, a coast guard member, admits to accepting bribes to let smugglers pass.

Destroyed boats and crackdowns

In June 2026, Djibouti authorities set fire to boats used for smuggling at the Godoria departure beach. This move highlights the government’s efforts to crack down on the illegal crossings, despite the continued flow of exiles seeking a better life.