At least 92 people drowned when they used a ship to cross the Bab al-Mandab Strait to cross the Yemen. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that around 200 people were on the board. Most of the deceased and missing are Ethiopian.
Despite the dangers of crossing the Bab al-Mandab (which means “the gate of grief”), which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, more people are using this so-called path every year. In 2023, according to IOM, around 395,000 people attempted to use it. Last year, it was around 446,000, which represented 13%.
From 2023 to 2024, most of the 234,000 migrants using this route were from Ethiopia. Somalis creates the following highest number. For IOM, 90% of migrants are running away from economic crises, while most other armed conflicts and oppression. According to Nathli Petz, a humanist of New York University Abu Dhabi, returns to his country after returning to his country after returning to the country of Yemenis in a very small part.
Putting rough water to reach the Gulf states
In addition to sea traffic, strong tides, winds, waves and rocks combine the dangers. “If you do not know the route very well, you can get into the real difference,” said Martin Plot, a London expert in Horn of Africa, who is studying the migration trend.
According to Peutz, migrants often use small fishing boats. “Passengers are crowded in such a crowd that they get rough in the sea, sometimes sinking the boats,” Pootz told DW, looking at the smugglers that they are overloaded, “they really force Popal to jump overboard or throw them overboard.”
Most migrants consider Yemen a restriction. From there, they expect to find work in rich bay states, especially Saudi Arabia. Between 2023–2024, the number of arrival fell more than one third as the authorities were stopping the boats away from the coast. Those who reach the Yemeni region face a lot of dangers, including IOM, including detention, deletion and misconduct by smugglers.
On the Saudi Arabia-Yaman border, Saudi border guard has shot hundredsIf there are thousands of irregular migrants and refugees in the past. Nevertheless, marine crossings are considered the most dangerous part of the eastern route. “It is very busy, with spacious tankers and other large ships traveling with it,” Plot told DW.
Strait makes one of the most important maritime trade routes in the world. The Asia ships navigate Bab al-Mandab before entering the Red Sea, Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea. From there, ship heads for major European ports.
There is little possibility of saving
The absence of the official maritime rescue program similar to those in the Mediterranean Sea increases the situation. In Bab al-Mandab, a ship in crisis can only expect help from a passing cargo ship. But after several cases of piracy, the captain has become careful.
“Of course, they wonder who is in the water,” the plot said. “Pirates have all types of roles to go on board. And when they climb on the ship, they produce their weapons and take the crew captive.” As a result, many captains are now hesitant to help migrant boats in crisis.
While the Theius Navy and other terrorist are present in the area, Perutz says their priority is “the theft and attacks on the oil tankers. But no one is protecting the migrationroute. ,
The migrants opposed between a rock and a difficult place
Peutz told DW that despite the risk, there are many reasons that migrants still try crossing. Many people do not have travel documents because getting them are expensive and taking time.
“Many young migratory leaves at the spur of the moment.
Some migrants reaching Saudi Arabia do not officially want to recognize in such a way that it limits their possibilities.
“If they have a cuffal (local sponsor), they are obliged to a contract,” Putz explained.
“Some Kafails are known to have passports to their employees, making them difficult for them to lead the abin abuse workplace. This is especially true for women workers.
Ashte Bekele protested for this article, which was translated from German
Edited by: chrispin mwakideu
