What does the closure of Bab el-Mandeb mean for Djibouti?

The Red Sea crisis has upended the lives of communities on either side of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. While Yemenis are fleeing the fighting in their country, the boats of Djiboutians who live off the sea lie idle.

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Rising tensions around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are disrupting life and trade in Djibouti.

In the coastal town of Obock, residents can no longer travel to Yemen to get essential supplies, which is hurting local businesses.

Meanwhile, conflict-linked shipping disruptions and delays are pushing up transport costs across the region.

Traders say container prices have more than doubled, while some ships are taking longer routes around Africa, which is increasing fuel and insurance costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers.

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