Features|RefugeesYemen’s ‘Mogadishu’: Somali refugees face poverty, instability in AdenGenerations of refugees in Aden endure poverty, lack identity, and cling to fading memories of Somalia’s distant shores.
Aden, Yemen – Al-Basateen district, located on the outskirts of Aden, Yemen’s interim capital, is home to a significant refugee population. The district, known for its demographic shift since the 1990s, primarily hosts individuals of Somali origin.…
Aden, Yemen – Al-Basateen district, located on the outskirts of Aden, Yemen’s interim capital, is home to a significant refugee population. The district, known for its demographic shift since the 1990s, primarily hosts individuals of Somali origin. Currently, the population is estimated to exceed 40,000, with many living in economically vulnerable conditions and facing unresolved legal status.
Many residents of al-Basateen rely on irregular employment opportunities in construction and manual labor to support their families. Economic challenges are exacerbated by a decline in humanitarian aid, contributing to extreme poverty in the area. Families often depend on both men and women for income, with women engaging in activities like cleaning homes or operating small businesses. Children frequently contribute by collecting recyclable materials for sale.
The architectural landscape of al-Basateen reflects the poverty of its residents, featuring densely packed homes constructed from metal sheets and separated by unpaved roads. Many residents express a sense of "suspended belonging," with successive generations retaining ties to their Somali heritage while integrating into Yemeni society.
Aden, Yemen – Al-Basateen district, located on the outskirts of Aden, Yemen’s interim capital, is home to a significant refugee population.
The ongoing civil war in Yemen has significantly worsened the situation for refugees and host communities alike. Decreased aid and limited job opportunities have compounded the difficulties faced by residents. According to the United Nations, support programs in 2025 met only 25% of the country's needs, impacting thousands of families, including those in al-Basateen.
In spite of these challenges, some individuals have managed to improve their circumstances through education or entrepreneurship. However, such cases are exceptions, and the district continues to receive new arrivals. Yemen remains the only country in the Arabian Peninsula to sign the 1951 Refugee Convention, allowing foreign nationals to apply for asylum.
Recent migrants often arrive in Yemen by boat, intending to transit to more prosperous nations. The difficult journey and harsh realities faced in Yemen highlight the ongoing struggles of refugees in the region.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
