No fewer than 922 migrants died or went missing along the dangerous Eastern Route from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula in 2025, marking the highest death toll ever recorded on the corridor, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has disclosed.
The agency said the figure represents a sharp increase, double the fatalities recorded in the previous year, highlighting the growing risks faced by thousands attempting the perilous journey across the Red Sea.
According to Tanja Pacifico, IOM’s Head of Mission in Djibouti, the latest data underscores a worsening humanitarian crisis.
“2025 was the deadliest year ever recorded on the Eastern migration route, with 922 people dead or missing,” Pacifico said.
Each year, tens of thousands of migrants, mostly from Ethiopia, Somalia and neighbouring countries, embark on the journey through Djibouti to Yemen.
Many are driven by poverty, unemployment, and conflict, seeking low-skilled jobs in wealthier Gulf nations.
The majority of those who died were reportedly Ethiopians. Despite being Africa’s second most populous country, Ethiopia continues to grapple with internal conflicts and widespread economic hardship, factors that fuel outward migration.
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However, the journey often ends in tragedy or prolonged hardship. Migrants who successfully cross into Yemen frequently find themselves stranded in a country devastated by nearly a decade-long civil war, with limited access to food, shelter, or employment.
The IOM reaffirmed its commitment to working with authorities in Djibouti to promote safer and more regulated migration pathways.
“IOM remains fully committed to working alongside the government of Djibouti to promote safe and dignified migration pathways, in order to prevent further tragedies,” Pacifico added.
While projections suggest Ethiopia’s economy could grow by about 10 percent in 2026, the agency warned that high inflation and persistent instability may continue to push citizens to seek opportunities abroad despite the risks.
The Eastern route remains one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors, with humanitarian agencies warning that without urgent intervention, the death toll could rise even further.
