# Houthi-Saudi Conflict Impacts Red Sea African States

> Houthi-Saudi conflict disrupts Red Sea trade routes and refugee flows across Africa.
- Title: Houthi-Saudi Conflict Impacts Red Sea African States · Dw
- Summary: Houthi-Saudi conflict disrupts Red Sea trade routes and refugee flows across Africa. Houthi rebels capturing Yemen's Perim Island has triggered refugee…
- Keywords: houthi, saudi, yemen, perim island, bab el-mandeb strait, djibouti, ethiopia, refugee crisis, red sea, shipping routes, unhcr, un dp
- Source: Dw — https://dw.com/en/how-the-houthi-saudi-conflict-is-affecting-countries-on-africa-s-red-sea-coast-and-beyond/a-79588992?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: houthi, saudi, yemen, perim island, bab el-mandeb strait, djibouti, ethiopia, refugee crisis, red sea, shipping routes, unhcr, un dp
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Houthi rebels capturing Yemen's Perim Island has triggered refugee crises in Djibouti and economic strain on Ethiopia through disrupted Red Sea shipping routes.