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Yemen fighting displaces thousands as drought squeezes the Horn of Africa
Fresh fighting in Yemen is driving families from their homes. Combat resumed between the Houthis and the government in July, and the Health Cluster reported thousands newly displaced in the week to 26 September 2026. Many of the displaced cannot reach healthcare. This comes on top of a hunger crisis affecting 18.3 million people (OCHA, 2026 HNRP). Meanwhile drought continues across Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia and the wider region (GDACS, as of 30 Sep 2026), hitting families already living through war.
The connection is food that never arrives. War blocks farms and roads, drought kills the harvest, and collapsed currencies make imports unaffordable. Sudan's currency has lost more than ten times its value over the war years, and OCHA projects 33.7 million Sudanese will need help in 2026. Global food prices are already high, with the FAO food price index at 133.3 for August 2026. Agencies operating in Yemen and the Horn should pre-position food and medical supplies before the dry season deepens, and donors should close funding gaps for the Yemen response first.
Watch items
- Yemen — Hodeidah front pushes more displaced families toward Hays district
- Sudan — El Obeid siege could cut aid to North Kordofan civilians
- Haiti — Hurricane season could isolate gang-held Port-au-Prince