Djibouti: the Migration Corridor for Ethiopian Exiles
- Imane Belrhiti & Justine Gros
- Feb 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 9
Written by Imane Belrhiti (BSc Politics and Economics) and Justine Gros (BSc Politics and International Relations)
Migration crises often reflect underlying socio-political and economic tensions, and Ethiopia's ongoing migration crisis is no exception. Political instability, war, famine, and economic hardship have been recurrent themes that have defined Ethiopia's history, consequently driving mass exodus (Fransen & Kuschminder, 2009). Djibouti, a geographically small yet geopolitically strategic nation on the Horn of Africa, has become a significant transit point for Ethiopian exiles, with thousands passing through each year in search of safety and economic opportunity beyond their borders. In July 2024 alone, 40,118 persons migrated through flow monitoring points (PSF) in Djibouti, including 19,310 incoming from Ethiopia (IOM, 2024). This migration corridor, however, whilst provides a tenuous lifeline for these individuals, also presents a set of complex challenges for both Djibouti and the broader region (Styan, 2013). This article aims to illuminate the dynamics shaping migration in the Horn of Africa, focusing on Djibouti's role as a transit hub and the socio-political implications of these migration flows.
The Tigray Conflict
Ethiopia, once a symbol of stability in the Horn of Africa, has become a nation in crisis. A convergence of political instability, ethnic conflicts, economic hardship, and environmental disasters are driving a mass exodus (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2023; BBC, 2023). The Tigray conflict, ignited in November 2020 between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), has become a defining tragedy for Ethiopia. What began as a targeted military operation soon escalated into widespread devastation (Congressional Research Service, 2023). Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and businesses, was ravaged by Ethiopian federal forces, regional militias, and Eritrean troops (supporting Ethiopian operations), leaving millions displaced (Amnesty International, 2023; Congressional Research Service, 2023).
Djibouti, a Transit Hub
Humanitarian aid has been severely restricted, intensifying the suffering of millions (Congressional Research Service, 2023). Over two million people have been forced to flee, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as Sudan and Djibouti (International Organization for Migration, 2023). As a key migration corridor in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti has experienced a significant influx of Ethiopian exiles, including large numbers of women and children enduring perilous journeys to escape the violence in the Amhara and Tigray regions (International Organization for Migration, 2023). The ongoing conflict continues to destabilize the region, deepening Ethiopia’s crisis and transforming Djibouti into a crucial lifeline for those in search of safety (International Organization for Migration, 2023).
Indeed, Djibouti serves as a critical transit point for Ethiopian exiles due to its strategic location which lies at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East, with its coastline along the Gulf of Aden and a shared border with Ethiopia (CIA, 2023). This geographical positioning makes it a primary gateway for migrants from Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa aiming to reach destinations in the Middle East such as Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and even farther toward Europe (IOM, 2024). Djibouti’s port, which serves as Ethiopia’s main maritime outlet, facilitates this migration flow as migrants can travel overland from Ethiopia to Djibouti and embark on perilous boat journeys across the Gulf of Aden (Maritime Executive, 2024).
Migration Challenges and Humanitarian Aid
This route, however, is fraught with challenges, as migrants face dangerous sea crossings, human trafficking networks, and security issues, particularly in Yemen, where ongoing conflict complicates safe passage (UN News, 2024; US Department of State, 2023). Djibouti’s strict migration policies, along with potential detention or deportation risks, add to the challenges these individuals face (Global Detention Project, 2023). Humanitarian organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Red Cross, provide essential services to migrants, including temporary shelter, food, and medical care, as well as guidance on safe migration (IOM, 2023; UNHCR, 2023), yet the demand far exceeds available resources, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions (MSF, 2023; ICRC, 2023). The influx of migrants strains local infrastructure, creates public health challenges, and requires substantial resource allocation, especially given Djibouti’s limited economic capacity (IOM, 2021; Globalization and Health, 2020).
Djibouti’s role as a transit country is also supported by international organizations, notably the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and regional bodies like the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) (IOM, 2023; UNHCR, 2023). These organizations work closely with the Djiboutian government to provide critical support, but they are not only focused on providing immediate humanitarian aid: working on long-term strategies to manage migration flows sustainably, they support actively Djibouti’s development (USAID, 2024; IOM, 2021). Coordinated efforts between these organizations and Djibouti’s government aim to develop a framework that can handle the continuing arrival of Ethiopian exiles, while also considering Djibouti’s limited resources and the importance of maintaining social stability (IOM, 2023; Oxford Business Group, 2023).
Djibouti’s role as both a transit hub and a geopolitical linchpin implies making efforts to balance humanitarian assistance with regional stability. These efforts are reflected by Djibouti leveraging its position to engage with both neighboring countries and international actors to manage migration and its associated impacts (IOM, 2021).
Regional Stability and International Interventions
The influx of Ethiopian migrants into Djibouti has wide-ranging ramifications that stretch beyond its borders, affecting neighbouring countries, regional stability, and Djibouti’s relations with major global powers (Mixed Migration Centre, 2023). Djibouti’s strategic location at the Horn of Africa, just miles from the Middle East, places it at a crossroads for trade, migration, and security, making the Ethiopian migration crisis an issue of global significance (Oxford Business Group, 2023). As a key ally to Gulf states and a critical partner to the United States, which operates its only permanent military base in Africa from Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, the country is intricately linked to international security and migration concerns (CBS News, 2022; US Department of State, 2022). This military base is crucial for U.S. counterterrorism operations across the region, and the rising migration pressures have intensified discussions around regional security, as the potential for human trafficking, organized crime, and insurgency networks grows amidst the flow of displaced people (CBS News, 2022). Djibouti’s partnerships with European Union states, China, and Japan—each of which also has a strategic interest in the stability of the region—are similarly influenced by the implications of Ethiopia’s ongoing crisis (IOM, 2021; EEAS, 2019).
Djibouti’s role as a migration corridor for Ethiopian exiles illustrates the intricate relationship between international power dynamics, humanitarian crises, and regional stability in the Horn of Africa. The country’s strategic location has made it a vital transit hub, but this position also brings immense challenges as it grapples with the influx of vulnerable populations seeking refuge. Addressing these migration flows requires coordinated efforts across national, regional, and international levels, balancing the immediate needs of migrants with longer-term solutions to the root causes driving their displacement. Djibouti’s situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable migration policies that support those in transit while fostering regional security and development.
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