REPORT: Several Ethiopians moving to Djibouti

NAIROBI - A report by the International Organisation for Immigration (IOM) suggests that there is a proliferation of Ethiopian migrants crossing over to neighbouring Djibouti which has been enjoying stability for the last three decades.

The migrants are using Balho, Galafi, Dikhil, and Ali-Sabieh points which have recorded the highest number of people crossing over in the last few months. Between June and October 2024, this figure rose from approximately 18,000 to 22,600.

In 2024, a total of 184,720 individuals from Ethiopia were observed crossing these monitoring points. This represents an 82% increase compared to the same period in the previous year (101,585) and a 50% increase over the entire year of 2023 (122,968), Addis Standard reports.

According to the IOM, the majority of migrants identified at these monitoring points in October 2024 were adults (69% men and 25% women). Children accounted for 6% of the total, with 4% being boys and 2% girls.

Ethiopia has been facing internal challenges including ethnic clashes and external chaos particularly the feud with Somalia over access to the Red Sea and the controversial construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam which Egypt has raised objections.

Early this week Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, speaking at the fifth anniversary of the Prosperity Party, urged peace in the Amhara and Oromia regions, calling for an end to conflict and a focus on dialogue. He stated, “They will not defeat us even if they struggle for a thousand years,” emphasizing that prolonged struggles would not bring meaningful change.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges of the past five years, including internal conflicts and external threats. He emphasized the importance of adopting innovative approaches rather than relying on outdated methods to address these issues.

Ahmed was the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 but his reign in power has been chaotic with local opposition accusing him of dictatorship. The PM, however, accuses external actors of triggering instability in the Horn of Africa nation.

GAROWE ONLINE