Jamal, an Ethiopian man in his early thirties, embarked on a perilous journey through one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes, not in pursuit of wealth or status, but to find his 16-year-old nephew who had disappeared while attempting to reach Saudi Arabia. Every year, tens of thousands of Ethiopians traverse this route, crossing arid lands, the Gulf of Aden, and war-torn Yemen. While many flee conflict, displacement, poverty, or climate shocks, others are lured by the false promises of human traffickers preying on desperation.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this eastern route has become increasingly violent, marked by kidnapping, extortion, and systematic abuse.
A Family Tragedy Amidst Smuggler Networks
Jamal’s nephew was among those abducted. After his disappearance in Yemen, his captors demanded a ransom. Despite the family paying, the child was not released. Jamal felt compelled to find his nephew, as his brother had no other children.
Believing he would be taken to his nephew’s location, Jamal intentionally placed himself in the path of smugglers in Yemen. His plan succeeded; he reunited with his nephew, pretending not to know him to avoid suspicion. As Jamal began planning their escape, he also helped other hostages break free. However, he was captured before securing his own escape.
Brutal Torture and a Grueling Flight
His punishment was swift and brutal. Jamal was forced to watch as other hostages were beaten, maimed, and burned. Then, it was his turn. His captors wrapped his feet in plastic and repeatedly set them on fire. The burns caused permanent damage, affecting his ability to walk, sleep, and live with the memories of that night.
Their escape was made possible by a clash between rival smuggling groups. Amidst the chaos, Jamal and his nephew managed to flee. Surviving for months in Yemen by washing cars to earn enough money to leave, Jamal eventually reached Djibouti. There, he was directed to the IOM’s Migrant Response Centre in Obock, where he received medical care for his injuries and psychosocial support to begin processing his ordeal.
For the first time since his horrific experience, he says someone asked not just where he came from, but how he was coping. Today, Jamal is preparing to return to Ethiopia. He has not yet told his mother what happened. Even now, his concern is not for himself, but for his mother. “She saw me leave healthy,” he says. “I’m worried about her seeing me like this. I will have to explain it gently to her.”
