Djibouti: The influx of displaced persons from Yemen exceeds our capacity to meet their needs

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Djibouti's Foreign Minister Abdirahman Omar stated that his country is facing increasing humanitarian pressures due to the conflict in Yemen, emphasizing that the influx of thousands of displaced persons into its territory exceeds its capacity to meet their needs alone.

Omar said in his speech at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York: "Djibouti is closely monitoring the situation in Yemen, and we are directly feeling its effects with the arrival of thousands of people to our lands, fleeing from violence."

He added: "This situation imposes significant pressures on the host communities in the Obock region, as well as on the capacity of the refugee camp known as Markazi," warning that Djibouti cannot meet the increasing needs for shelter, food, and basic services on its own.

He called on the international community to intensify its support so that his government's response to this influx can be adequate, noting that the number of displaced Yemenis could reach, according to United Nations estimates, 10,000 people.

The Djiboutian Foreign Minister emphasized the necessity of de-escalation and reaching a sustainable political solution to the conflict in Yemen to prevent this humanitarian crisis from turning into a long-term situation and to preserve the lives of civilians.

Omar reiterated the strategic importance of freedom of navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea as vital arteries for international trade and a cornerstone for the stability of the region and the world, warning that any disruption to the freedom of ship movement could seriously affect global supply chains and energy security.

He clarified that Djibouti has not yet observed any disruption in transit through the strait, but the authorities continue to monitor the situation closely amid the current tensions in the region.

It is worth noting that Djibouti is located on the western shore of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, opposite Yemen, making it one of the countries directly affected by the security and humanitarian developments in the region.