From Dw · · 1m 40s
Houthi-Saudi Conflict Impacts Red Sea African States
Houthi-Saudi conflict disrupts Red Sea trade routes and refugee flows across Africa.
In brief
Houthi-Saudi conflict disrupts Red Sea trade routes and refugee flows across Africa. Houthi rebels capturing Yemen's Perim Island has triggered refugee crises in Djibouti and economic strain on Ethiopia through disrupted Red Sea shipping routes. Originally reported by Dw.
Houthi rebels capture Perim Island
In September, Iran-backed Houthi rebels captured Yemen's Perim Island, the narrowest point of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Perim Island's strategic location
The island is 20 kilometers from Djibouti and 20 minutes by air to Ethiopia, forming the narrowest point of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Houthi attacks on merchant ships
Houthi rebels have been firing on merchant ships since the start of the Gaza war in 2023, disrupting Red Sea shipping.
Refugee crisis in Djibouti
At least 3,700 refugees have crossed from Yemen into Djibouti since September 10, with most being women and children in the northern Obock region.
Djibouti's strategic military hub
Djibouti, a small Muslim-majority Horn of Africa country with a population of over a million, hosts military bases from the US, China, France, Italy, and Japan.
Economic impact on Djibouti
Djibouti's economy is experiencing an upswing due to increased shipping activity, but shipping costs have doubled for insurance and reinsurance.
“We don't have much water here; there's no groundwater at all”
Ethiopia's trade dependency
Ethiopia handles 95% of its imports and exports through Djibouti's ports, making it vulnerable to shipping disruptions.
Ethiopia's internal conflict
Ethiopia's northern Tigray region saw fighting on September 23, with the Ethiopian National Defense Forces making gains against rebel coalitions.
Regional security risks
Eritrea and Ethiopia have severed diplomatic ties, with Eritrea viewing Ethiopia's landlocked status as a threat to its security.
The headline
Houthi rebels capturing Yemen's Perim Island has triggered refugee crises in Djibouti and economic strain on Ethiopia through disrupted Red Sea shipping routes.
