Jamal, an Ethiopian man in his early thirties, embarked on a perilous journey not in pursuit of fortune, but to find his 16-year-old nephew. The teenager had disappeared while attempting to reach Saudi Arabia via one of the world’s most dangerous migration corridors. This route, known as the eastern route, sees tens of thousands of Ethiopians annually traverse arid landscapes in Ethiopia and Djibouti, cross the Gulf of Aden, and navigate war-torn Yemen. Many are driven by conflict, displacement, poverty, or the impacts of climate change. Others are lured by false promises from traffickers who exploit desperation. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that the eastern route has become increasingly violent, characterized by widespread kidnappings, extortion, and systematic abuse.
Jamal’s nephew was a victim of this brutality. Kidnapped in Yemen, his captors demanded a ransom. Despite the family paying, the boy was never released. Driven by a sense of duty, Jamal set out to find him. “I had no choice,” he stated. “My brother had no other children. I had to go after him.”
In Search of Traffickers
In Yemen, Jamal strategically placed himself in the path of traffickers, hoping they would lead him to where his nephew was being held. His plan succeeded; he was reunited with the boy, feigning ignorance to avoid suspicion. As he began planning their escape, Jamal aided other captives in fleeing. However, before he could secure his own freedom, he was captured.
The retribution was swift and brutal. Jamal was forced to witness other captives being subjected to beatings, mutilations, and burns. Then, it was his turn. His captors repeatedly wrapped his feet in plastic and set them ablaze, inflicting permanent damage that affects his mobility, sleep, and the lingering trauma of that night.
Their escape was only possible due to a violent clash between rival trafficking groups. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Jamal and his nephew managed to flee. After months in Yemen, surviving by washing cars to earn passage money, Jamal finally reached Djibouti. He was then directed to an IOM Migrant Response Centre in Obock, where he received essential medical care for his injuries and crucial psychosocial support to begin processing his ordeal. For the first time since his traumatic experience, he felt heard as someone inquired not just about his origin, but about his well-being.
Today, Jamal is preparing to return to Ethiopia. He has not yet disclosed the full extent of his suffering to his mother, his primary concern remaining her peace of mind. “She saw me leave in good health,” he shared. “I am worried about her seeing me like this. I will have to explain it to her gently.”
