**Djibouti Calls for International Assistance as Influx of Yemeni Refugees Surges**
*Djibouti, September 16, 2026* — Djibouti has issued an urgent appeal for international assistance in response to a significant increase in the number of Yemeni refugees arriving in the country. The Interior Minister, Omar Abdi Said, reported that over 2,500 Yemenis have fled to Djibouti since last Thursday, with projections suggesting that this number could rise to approximately 10,000 in the coming weeks.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has intensified, particularly in the western regions, where heavy fighting continues between the Iran-backed Houthi forces and the internationally recognized government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia. This escalation has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East, leading to a surge in displacement.
Minister Said emphasized that the influx of refugees has already surpassed Djibouti's national capacity to provide adequate support. He noted that the country is experiencing increasing pressure as international funding for humanitarian efforts declines. "We call on the United Nations and international partners to mobilize urgent financial resources commensurate with the scale of the crisis," Said stated.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been actively involved in assisting the newly arrived refugees. In a recent video update, IOM's Djibouti Office highlighted its ongoing efforts to provide essential supplies such as food and water to those fleeing the violence in Yemen. Safiya Ibrahim, the agency's response coordinator for Djibouti, reported that many of the refugees arriving daily include vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the sick. She noted that the IOM is relying on additional financial support to sustain its operations amid the growing need.
The situation in Yemen has been deteriorating since the Saudi-led coalition intervened in the civil war in 2015, resulting in over 4.5 million people being displaced. The recent escalation of hostilities has raised concerns about further internal displacement and the potential for even more Yemenis to seek refuge abroad.
Djibouti, located directly across the Red Sea from Yemen, has historically served as a transit point for those fleeing conflict. However, with its population of less than 1.2 million, the country faces significant challenges in accommodating the increasing number of refugees.
As the international community assesses the situation, Djibouti's government is calling for immediate action to address the humanitarian needs of the Yemeni refugees and to support the country's capacity to respond to this escalating crisis.