Aden (South24 Center)

---

The shores of Shabwa Governorate in South Yemen have received 4,546 African migrants since the beginning of 2026, according to official data from the Yemeni Ministry of Interior.

This indicates a steady flow of irregular migration through one of the world’s most dangerous maritime routes.

Police data revealed that the coastal district of Radum received approximately 4,396 migrants during January and February through 24 waves of influx, almost all of whom were Ethiopian. The number of arrivals reached 1,816 in January before rising to 2,580 in February, reflecting a clear upward trend.

On March 13, Shabwa police announced the arrival of 150 African migrants at Al-Jwayri coast in Radum district in a new wave of irregular migration. Authorities reported that nine migrants drowned after their smuggling boat ran aground due to poor weather conditions and high waves.

In a related development, Coast Guard forces intercepted a boat in the Gulf of Aden on March 21 carrying 120 African migrants, including women and children. Three Yemeni smugglers were detained, although the boat’s destination was not specified.

These figures extend last year’s influx, which saw approximately 8,208 migrants arrive in Shabwa during the first seven months of 2025, the majority of them Ethiopians and the remainder from Somalia.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that the “Eastern Route” toward Yemen is among the most dangerous migration paths globally. More than 350 deaths and disappearances were recorded in 2025 as migrants continued to undertake perilous sea journeys.

Local authorities in Shabwa face increasing challenges in managing these influxes, which far exceed available resources. There are growing concerns over potential security and economic repercussions amid the complex conditions facing the country.