Fuel shortage in Yemen hampers migrants fleeing conflict and seeking safety in Djibouti

A fuel shortage in Yemen is impeding the flow of migrants fleeing the country's ongoing conflict, with hopes of finding safety in Djibouti, according to the United Nations migration agency. The conflict between Yemen's internationally recognized government and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, which has been raging for 12 years, has recently intensified.

The recent escalation of the conflict has resulted in over 2,000 Yemenis currently residing in Djibouti, where the nation's government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are providing food and shelter. Despite the current lull in arrivals due to the fuel shortage, the IOM warns that more Yemenis are prepared to make the dangerous journey by boat.

Frantz Celestin, the IOM's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, stated that the situation could overwhelm Djibouti's capacity to house and accommodate the influx of people. Djiboutian Finance Minister Ilyas M. Dawaleh acknowledged the mounting challenges and praised the solidarity of Djiboutian residents in supporting the Yemeni refugees.