139 Ethiopian migrants die after boat capsizes off Djibouti coast

At least 139 migrants, including 15 children, have been confirmed dead after a vessel carrying over 300 people capsized off the coast of Djibouti. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the boat sank near Guhere, north of Obock, on the night of October 8-9 while attempting to cross the Gulf of Aden to Yemen. The victims are believed to be Ethiopian nationals who were part of a larger group seeking better economic opportunities in Gulf countries.

The vessel was reportedly carrying 305 individuals at the time of the disaster. While 82 survivors have been rescued by Djiboutian authorities, approximately 84 people remain missing as search and rescue efforts continue. The IOM has been providing emergency support to the survivors and working alongside local authorities to manage the aftermath of the tragedy. IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized that the significant loss of life, particularly among children, underscores the extreme perils of this irregular migration route.

Djibouti has become a critical transit point for migrants from the Horn of Africa, especially Ethiopia, who are fleeing conflict and poverty. This "Eastern Route" is known for its hazards, yet migrant traffic has increased recently due to ongoing instability in both Ethiopia and Yemen. Despite the risks of the sea crossing and the ongoing conflict within Yemen, thousands of people continue to undertake the journey each year in the hope of reaching Saudi Arabia and other neighboring nations for employment.

The IOM has reiterated its call for the establishment of safer and more regular migration pathways to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The agency noted that this latest incident is part of a growing trend of fatal accidents in the Gulf of Aden. As regional pressures persist, humanitarian organizations warn that without coordinated international intervention and improved safety measures, more lives will be at risk in the perilous waters between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.