The government of Djibouti, led by President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, has taken steps to rally the business community in support of Yemeni refugees. On September 21, 2026, the Minister of Trade and Tourism, Orbis Heil Obre, and the Minister of Social Affairs and Solidarity, Aouffa Ismail Abde, met with traders in the city of Abkh. The meeting aimed to raise awareness and mobilize efforts to provide assistance to refugee families.
The initiative seeks to coordinate efforts between authorities, economic operators, and civil society components to provide tangible assistance to refugee families and respond to their basic needs. Minister Obre emphasized that this collective mobilization is a testament to Djibouti's commitment to enhancing the reception and protection of Yemeni refugees, in line with the country's tradition of solidarity with the Yemeni people.
Minister Aouffa Ismail Abde expressed her appreciation for the traders' commitment and willingness to contribute to efforts to support refugees and provide humanitarian assistance. The representative of the National Union of Djiboutian Women praised the mobilization and reaffirmed the organization's commitment to actively contributing to solidarity efforts in favor of Yemeni refugees.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Interior and the representative of the National Union of Djiboutian Women. The initiative is part of Djibouti's policy of solidarity and mutual assistance, as championed by President Guelleh. The country's efforts to support refugees have been recognized as a model of humanitarian action in the region.
Djibouti has been hosting Yemeni refugees for several years, and the country's government has been working to provide them with adequate assistance and protection. The mobilization of the business community is seen as a crucial step in supporting the refugees and enhancing the country's response to the crisis.
The Yemeni refugee crisis is a major humanitarian challenge in the region, with thousands of people fleeing conflict and seeking asylum in neighboring countries. Djibouti's efforts to support refugees are part of a broader regional response to the crisis, which requires a coordinated and sustained effort from governments, international organizations, and civil society.
The government of Djibouti has reiterated its commitment to protecting and assisting refugees, in line with international humanitarian law and principles. The country's experience in hosting refugees has been shaped by its history of providing asylum to people fleeing conflict and persecution.
Key points
- The government of Djibouti has launched an initiative to mobilize the business community to provide support to Yemeni refugees in the country.
- The initiative aims to coordinate efforts between authorities, economic operators, and civil society components to provide tangible assistance to refugee families.
- Djibouti's efforts to support refugees are part of a broader regional response to the Yemeni refugee crisis.
