More Than 20,000 Ethiopians Cross Into Djibouti as Aid Needs Grow

More than 20,000 Ethiopians have crossed into Djibouti since September 20, while more than 3,000 migrants remain stranded in remote desert areas without adequate supplies, according to the International Organization for Migration.

The migrants are travelling along a route toward Yemen, where food and water supplies are reportedly running dangerously low. The situation has created an urgent humanitarian challenge for people attempting the journey through difficult and isolated areas.

Aid teams face access challenges

The IOM is providing emergency food, water and medical care to migrants affected by the shortages. However, the organisation says people using alternative routes are becoming increasingly difficult to reach.

The lack of access is complicating efforts to deliver assistance to those who are stranded in remote desert locations. More than 3,000 people are reported to be struggling without sufficient supplies.

Pressure grows in Djibouti

Djibouti is also receiving Ethiopians returning from Yemen, adding pressure to the country’s limited resources. The arrivals are taking place as conflict in Yemen contributes to further displacement.

The combination of new arrivals, returning migrants and difficult conditions along the route is increasing the need for sustained humanitarian support, according to the information provided by the IOM.

The organisation is urging the international community to provide urgent and sustained funding. It has warned that, without additional support, vital aid could be at risk.

The number of Ethiopians returning from Yemen and the precise locations of the remote desert areas were not specified.