In the year 2023 alone, at least 698 individuals lost their lives attempting to cross the Gulf of Aden, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This figure may even be higher, as some tragedies go unnoticed.
Recently, at least 38 migrants tragically perished when their boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti earlier this week. Twenty-three individuals were rescued, while five remain missing. The migrants, predominantly Ethiopians, were returning from Yemen after attempting to reach the Gulf countries.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the perilous nature of this migration route. Indeed, the United Nations migration agency considers this route to be one of the most treacherous in the world. Migrants depart from Djibouti or Somalia, cross the Gulf of Aden, and aim to reach Yemen, from where they hope to continue their journey to Saudi Arabia.
The majority are of Ethiopian origin, with some hailing from Somalia. They flee difficult economic conditions, conflicts, or climatic disasters, such as the recent droughts that have affected both countries. They aspire to secure employment in the Gulf countries.
However, thousands find themselves trapped in Yemen, according to the IOM, often detained in camps or displaced within the country. Some choose to return voluntarily, while others are compelled to do so. For instance, Saudi Arabia expelled over 500,000 Ethiopian migrants between 2017 and 2023.
Human Rights Watch has also accused Saudi border guards of killing hundreds of Ethiopians attempting to enter Saudi Arabia between 2022 and 2023, a claim Riyadh denies.
Despite these hardships, the IOM laments that the crossings persist. Over 90,000 migrants arrived in Yemen between January and September 2023.