By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Djibouti, 14 September 2026 The northern Djiboutian city of Obock has become a major arrival point for Yemenis fleeing renewed violence in their country.
According to figures released by the Djiboutian authorities, 1,298 Yemenis arrived in Obock within a single wave, while state media reported that additional boats carrying people fleeing the conflict are expected to reach Djibouti.
The arrivals include men, women and children, who crossed the Bab el-Mandeb Strait separating Yemen from the Horn of Africa.
Djibouti has launched an emergency reception effort to accommodate the new arrivals, with authorities in Obock working to provide essential services, including food, water and sanitation.
One of the latest groups reached Obock late at night, where local officials took part in receiving the arrivals and assessing their immediate needs.
Djibouti's Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed travelled to Obock to assess the situation and inspect the conditions facing the Yemenis arriving in the country.
According to Djibouti's state broadcaster, the prime minister instructed government agencies to ensure that the new arrivals receive proper care, while prioritizing their safety and security.
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The influx has placed additional pressure on local authorities, who are facing urgent demands for water, food, shelter and sanitation facilities.
Obock Governor Moussa Aden described the reception operation as a difficult task requiring patience and determination, stressing the need to respond quickly to the basic needs of the arrivals.
"It is difficult to provide everything immediately for all these people. They need water, they need food, and even the most basic thing they need is a toilet. We have to prepare all of this for them quickly," Moussa Aden said.
Obock has long served as an entry point for Yemenis crossing the Red Sea to Djibouti to escape conflict. Its proximity to Yemen makes it one of the closest destinations for people seeking refuge from the fighting.
The latest influx comes as Yemen's security situation deteriorates, with renewed fighting between the Houthi movement and forces aligned with Yemen's internationally recognized government, backed by Saudi Arabia.
The escalation has raised fresh concerns over the humanitarian situation in Yemen, where years of conflict have already displaced millions of people and left large sections of the population dependent on humanitarian assistance.
For Djibouti, the growing number of arrivals presents an immediate humanitarian challenge, as Obock becomes a key reception point for civilians seeking safety across the Red Sea.