The coastal town of Obock in northern Djibouti has become a lifeline for hundreds of Yemeni families fleeing the intensified conflict on the Yemeni coast. Since September 10, the fighting has driven hundreds of families to take to the sea, often without food or water, in search of safety. The town's authorities are facing an unusual influx of refugees, with over 700 families registered at the Markazi refugee camp, according to Prefect Moussa Aden Miganeh.
The refugees are arriving in Obock after crossing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in makeshift boats, often in precarious conditions. The journey can take just a few hours, but for those on board, it feels like an eternity. The boats are not designed to carry such large numbers of people, and the families on board have little food or provisions. A engine failure, rough seas, or a mechanical issue can quickly turn the escape into a tragedy.
One of the refugees, Mohamed Saïd Ali, an elementary school teacher from Doubab, shared his harrowing story of fleeing the conflict. He was teaching his students on September 7 when a loud cannon blast shook the school. He quickly evacuated his students and sought refuge in a nearby house, where he witnessed scenes of horror. "Bodies were lying everywhere, some were torn apart by dogs," he recalled.
With no other option, Mohamed Saïd and a group of around 30 people, mostly women and children, set off on a small pirogue. They had little food or water, and the boat's engine eventually ran out of fuel, leaving them adrift. Fortunately, another boat came to their rescue and towed them to Obock, where they arrived on Thursday morning.
Upon arrival in Obock, the refugees receive emergency assistance, including food, water, and medical care. They are then registered and transferred to the Markazi refugee camp, where they begin the process of rebuilding their lives. The refugees are grateful for the warm welcome they have received from the authorities in Obock.
Obock has long been a transit point for people traveling between Djibouti and Yemen, but the current influx of refugees has put a strain on the town's resources. The authorities are working to provide assistance and support to the new arrivals, who have fled their homes with little more than the clothes they are wearing.
The situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, with the conflict showing no signs of abating. For the refugees who have made it to Obock, the town represents a glimmer of hope for a safer and more secure future. As they begin to settle into their new lives, they will rely on the support of the international community to help them rebuild and recover.
Key points
- Over 700 Yemeni families have been registered at the Markazi refugee camp in Obock, Djibouti, since September 10.
