# Houthi-Saudi Conflict Impacts African Economies

> Houthi-Saudi conflict threatens African trade routes and refugee flows.
- Title: Houthi-Saudi Conflict Impacts African Economies · Allafrica
- Summary: Houthi-Saudi conflict threatens African trade routes and refugee flows. Yemen's Houthi rebels and Saudi forces near Bab el-Mandeb Strait have caused fuel…
- Keywords: houthi, saudi, bab el-mandeb strait, djibouti, ethiopia, refugee crisis, trade disruption, strait of hormuz, unhcr, un dp, news, world
- Source: Allafrica — https://allafrica.com/stories/202610090212.html
- Published: 2026-10-09T06:54:25+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: houthi, saudi, bab el-mandeb strait, djibouti, ethiopia, refugee crisis, trade disruption, strait of hormuz, unhcr, un dp, news, world
## Houthi-Saudi Conflict Near Africa
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which Yemeni forces aim to reclaim from Houthis, is close to Djibouti and Ethiopia.
## Houthis Capture Perim Island
In September, Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized Yemen's Perim Island, the narrowest point of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
## Perim Island's Strategic Position
Perim Island is 20 kilometers from Djibouti and 20 minutes by air from Ethiopia.
## Refugee Crisis in Djibouti
At least 3,700 refugees crossed from Yemen to Djibouti since September 10, mostly women and children.
## Djibouti's Water Crisis
Djibouti has no groundwater; all water must be desalinated due to extreme dryness.

> We don't have much water here; there's no groundwater at all
## Djibouti's Military Significance
Djibouti hosts military bases from the US, China, France, Italy, Japan, and Germany until 2021.
## Shipping Route Disruptions
Ships now pay nearly double for insurance due to war risks, reducing Red Sea traffic.
## Ethiopia's Trade Vulnerability
Ethiopia relies on Djibouti for 95% of its imports and exports, facing fuel shortages.
## Ethiopia's Tigray Conflict
Ethiopia's northern Tigray region saw fighting that threatened trade routes to Djibouti.
## Potential Regional Escalation
Ethiopia and Eritrea have severed diplomatic ties, risking wider regional conflict.
## Strait of Hormuz Impact
Africa faces fuel and fertilizer shortages due to the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
## Refugee Assistance Needs
UNHCR prepares to assist another 10,000 people who have not yet crossed into Djibouti.
## Key takeaway

Yemen's Houthi rebels and Saudi forces near Bab el-Mandeb Strait have caused fuel shortages, refugee crises in Djibouti, and trade disruptions for landlocked Ethiopia.