Djibouti seeks aid as Yemeni refugees arrive

Djibouti is appealing for urgent international assistance as a new wave of refugees arrives from Yemen, fleeing escalating hostilities. Over 2,400 people have made the sea crossing to Djibouti, with 1,400 arrivals within 24 hours. This influx highlights a deepening humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands more displaced within Yemen.Most new arrivals, over 60 percent, are vulnerable women, children, and older people. Djibouti's Interior Minister emphasized the need for global support, stating temporary reception centers are established. He warned the country faces mounting pressure due to dwindling international funding.Djibouti has an open-door policy and already hosts many refugees, including Yemenis. Existing humanitarian capacity is severely stretched, facing a funding crisis. The Markazi refugee village, a primary reception site, has limited space, though authorities are preparing for over 10,000 arrivals.Urgent needs include emergency shelter, food, clean water, healthcare, and protection services. Humanitarian partners, including the UN Refugee Agency, are working with the Djiboutian government to provide essential assistance. However, the crisis demands significantly more resources.The UN Refugee Agency estimates $14 million is needed for Yemen, with additional support crucial for Djibouti to provide essential services to those arriving. Insecurity in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime corridor, is raising broader concerns. This could disrupt global shipping, increasing costs and delaying crucial relief supplies to Yemen and Sudan.