132 Ethiopian migrants go missing after boat capsizes in deadly crossing

Ethiopia has seen increasing numbers of young migrants attempting perilous journeys in search of better opportunities, spurred by high youth unemployment and unrest, particularly in the aftermath of the Tigray conflict. In August 2025, 19-year-old Nigus Yosef announced his intention to migrate to Saudi Arabia, eliciting desperate pleas from his parents to reconsider. On August 3, 2025, Yosef and five friends boarded a boat bound for Yemen but tragically, the vessel capsized, resulting in 132 individuals being reported missing. This disaster highlights the continued dangers that migrants face during their treacherous journeys. Once they land, many migrants encounter further dangers, such as kidnapping and extortion. Senait Tadesse's daughter was among those who made it to Yemen, only to be held captive for a ransom of $6,000. Tadesse, devastated, sold her possessions to pay the ransom, but the kidnappers continued to demand more money, reflecting the ongoing desperation experienced by families in Ethiopia as they navigate these hardships. The situation is compounded by the fact that many young Ethiopians have limited access to legal migration pathways, which pushes them towards irregular and perilous routes. The recent increase in migrant numbers has not gone unnoticed by international organizations, with reports showing that the arrival of migrants in Yemen has risen significantly despite the ongoing civil war. In 2024, over 1.1 million Ethiopians were living abroad, a drastic increase from only about 200,000 in 2010. This trend illustrates the escalating search for opportunity abroad, against the backdrop of internal conflict and economic challenges in their home country. The tragic stories of young individuals like Nigus Yosef and Eden Shumiye point to a larger crisis affecting Ethiopian youth who feel forced to leave their homes in pursuit of a better life. The tales of heartbreak and loss serve as reminders of the urgent need for viable migration solutions and the dire implications of inaction in addressing these complex humanitarian issues.