Sanaa: A vessel carrying African migrants sank off the coast of Yemen, resulting in the deaths of dozens, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM). This tragic incident unfolded early on Sunday, leaving 74 individuals still unaccounted for.
According to Deutsche Welle, the Associated Press reported that 68 out of the approximately 154 migrants onboard perished in the disaster. The search continues for those missing. Yemen, despite being embroiled in a decade-long civil war, remains a key transit point for migrants aiming to reach affluent Arab nations like Saudi Arabia.
Ethiopian migrants, along with others from the Horn of Africa, often journey through Yemen facing significant dangers, including the ongoing conflict between Iran-linked Houthi forces and the UN-recognized Yemeni government. A 2020 Human Rights Watch Report highlighted that during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethiopian migrants in Yemen faced expulsion and violence from the Houthis.
Ethiopia is dealing with severe poverty and the aftermath of conflict, particularly in the Tigray region. A recent IOM report from March indicated that 60,000 migrants ventured into Yemen in 2024, underscoring the perilous nature of the Horn of Africa to Yemen migration route. This route is considered one of the busiest and most dangerous mixed migration paths globally.
The Horn of Africa, encompassing Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somaliland, is significantly impacted by climate change, leading to drought and food insecurity. These conditions drive migrants to seek better opportunities in the wealthy Gulf Arab states or Europe.