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Djibouti has launched a large-scale deportation campaign targeting Yemeni, Somali, and Ethiopian migrants, raising alarm among human rights organizations and international observers. The government’s operation, which began on May 19, 2025, aims to remove undocumented migrants and refugees accused of violating residency and work permit regulations. However, critics warn that the crackdown could expose vulnerable populations to severe risks, including violence and exploitation.
Local sources report that hundreds of migrants have been detained in recent raids on informal settlements, with authorities preparing to forcibly return them to their home countries. Many of those affected had fled worsening security and economic crises, particularly in Yemen, where ongoing conflict has driven tens of thousands to seek safety across the Red Sea. Somalia and Ethiopia have also seen significant numbers of refugees arriving in Djibouti, escaping instability and repression.
Djibouti, strategically located in the Horn of Africa, has long served as a transit hub for migrants seeking passage to the Arabian Peninsula. The country hosts a sizable refugee population, including individuals from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. However, the government has increasingly tightened its immigration policies, citing concerns over national security and economic strain.
Humanitarian organizations have condemned the deportation campaign, warning that returning migrants to conflict zones could have devastating consequences. Advocacy groups have urged Djibouti to uphold its international obligations and ensure the protection of displaced individuals. “Sending refugees back to war-torn regions without proper safeguards is a violation of human rights,” a spokesperson for a regional aid organization stated. “We call on Djibouti to halt these deportations and engage in dialogue to find humane solutions.”
Despite mounting criticism, Djibouti’s government has yet to respond to concerns raised by rights groups. Officials maintain that the crackdown is necessary to regulate migration and prevent illegal activities. The operation follows similar efforts in previous years, where authorities detained thousands of migrants and transported them back to their countries of origin.
The deportation campaign has sparked fears among migrant communities, with many going into hiding to avoid arrest. Reports indicate that families have been separated, with children and elderly individuals among those detained. The uncertainty surrounding their fate has intensified calls for international intervention to prevent further humanitarian fallout.
As Djibouti continues its deportation efforts, the global community is closely monitoring the situation. The crackdown highlights broader challenges in migration governance, particularly in regions affected by conflict and displacement. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether diplomatic pressure can influence Djibouti’s approach or whether the deportations will proceed despite widespread condemnation.