By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Mogadishu, 23 September 2026 Renewed fighting in Yemen has begun to directly affect countries across the Gulf of Aden, particularly Somalia and Djibouti, as thousands of people flee by sea and United Nations agencies warn of further arrivals and mounting pressure on essential services.
The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, issued the warning in Geneva on September 22, 2026. Its spokesperson, Babar Baloch, said the fighting had displaced more than 130,000 people since the beginning of September.
UNHCR reported that more than 3,000 Yemenis had crossed the Gulf of Aden and arrived in Djibouti, while hundreds of others had reached Somaliland and Puntland.
“Yemeni refugees continue to arrive daily. More than 3,000 have so far arrived in Djibouti, while hundreds have landed in Somaliland and Puntland,” Baloch told a UN press briefing in Geneva.
UNHCR and its partners are preparing for more than 10,000 arrivals in Djibouti. The projection is based on the continuing conflict, the current movement of people and the likelihood that sea crossings will increase.
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The agency said conditions in the Gulf of Aden are expected to improve by mid-October. As winds and waves ease, more boats could make the journey from Yemen, increasing arrivals along the coasts of Djibouti and Somalia.
UNHCR also estimated that internal displacement in Yemen could rise to more than 230,000 people, meaning nearly 100,000 more people could be forced from their homes if the conflict continues.
Djibouti is currently receiving the largest number of people crossing from Yemen. The influx could place additional pressure on refugee camps, healthcare facilities, water supplies, shelter, sanitation and schools.UNHCR said its Djibouti operation had received only 15 per cent of the funding required, limiting its ability to assist new arrivals and host communities.
Hundreds of people fleeing Yemen have already reached the Puntland and Somaliland coastlines. They include Yemeni refugees and Somalis who had been living in Yemen and are now returning home.
The arrivals could increase demand for reception and registration centres, health screenings, temporary shelter, food assistance and transport to help returnees reach their home communities.