Thousands of Ethiopian migrants, alongside others from the Horn of Africa, are undertaking life-threatening voyages across the Gulf of Aden, driven by a desperate hope to escape poverty and conflict. Their final destinations are often Yemen or Saudi Arabia, where they seek better economic opportunities. However, this perilous journey, known locally as “tahriib or illegal Migration,” subjects migrants to violent smugglers, extreme weather, and severe exploitation.
Many, like Sami, a young man from Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, have faced horrific conditions. In Yemen’s smuggling camps, migrants are detained and extorted. “There were hundreds of us—mostly from Ethiopia but also Somalia and Sudan. They asked if we had relatives abroad, and demanded $3,000 if we did. If not, they resorted to beating us,” Sami shared.
The ordeal begins long before Yemen. Migrants trekking through Djibouti endure blistering heat and exhaustion, often without adequate water. Many succumb to dehydration. For those reaching the coast, the danger intensifies. Boats are dangerously overcrowded, leading to frequent deaths. In June, over 50 migrants were thrown overboard during rough seas, many losing their lives. Armed gangs in Yemen further exploit and terrorize survivors along the route.
Despite warnings from humanitarian organizations, such as the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), migrants continue to attempt the dangerous crossing. Mohamed, a coordinator at Djibouti’s Migrant Response Centre, noted a surge in Ethiopian migrants. “Previously, we saw mainly Somali migrants passing through, but now Ethiopians make up the majority, with roughly 300 arriving daily,” he explained.
