Djibouti – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has inaugurated (13/12) an office in Dikhil city, with support from the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Djibouti, becoming the first UN agency to have an office in southern Djibouti. 
 
This marks a significant stride in addressing migration challenges and harnessing opportunities in the southern regions of Djibouti. Dikhil city is located some 12 kilometers from the border with Ethiopia. 
 
Dikhil and Ali-Sabieh regions of Djibouti form part of what is known as the Eastern Route which runs from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, mostly to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Between January and September 2023, the IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) recorded  more than 65,400 incoming movements of migrants from Ethiopia (through the points of Galafi, Yoboki, Ali-Sabieh and Dikhil), mostly aiming to reach the Arabian Peninsula. In 2022, thousands of migrants stayed for extended periods in Dikhil due to limited resources, living outdoors and with elevated protection risks. 

IOM has been supporting the Government of the Republic of Djibouti since 2009, maintaining operational presence throughout the country, including in Djibouti City and Obock. The necessity for IOM’s presence in the south was identified in coordination with the government.  IOM will open another office in Ali-Sabieh. 

"These new offices play a pivotal role in our responsiveness and collaboration with local authorities to better protect and assist vulnerable migrants and the local population" said Tanja Pacifico, IOM Djibouti Chief of Mission.

In line with the Regional Migrant Response Plan (MRP) for the Horn of Africa and Yemen, IOM's comprehensive strategy in the southern regions encompasses saving lives, building resilience, and offering sustainable solutions to vulnerabilities of migrants and host communities. This aligns with the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration and with Djibouti’s “Vision 2035” as well as with the Sustainable Development Goals. 

“Migration is a powerful driver of sustainable development. Getting closer to the communities we support, both migrants and host communities, actively contributes to “leave no one behind”, core principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” noted Jose Barahona, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Djibouti.

"We hope this inauguration will mark the beginning of a fruitful collaboration, based on mutual understanding and respect for human rights," said Hassan Abdi Robleh, the Prefect of Dikhil.

Given Dikhil's significance to Djibouti's agricultural production, IOM's intervention extends beyond reducing vulnerability to climate change and environmental degradation. 

Emphasizing adaptation to the impact of climate change and fostering improved economic opportunities for communities resonates with IOM's focus for the upcoming International Migrants’ Day, unlocking the power of migration as a solution to global challenges. 

For more information, please contact Laëtitia Romain, IOM Djibouti Media and Communication officer: lromain@iom.int