Mohammed Abdu Al-Absi was not only an investigative journalist but also a courageous Yemeni voice who exposed the corruption of powerful actors in the oil and gas sectors—ultimately paying with his life. In December 2016, he died after being poisoned in the capital, Sana’a, which was—and remains—under the control of the Houthi group. Investigations later confirmed that his death was not natural, pointing instead to a likely assassination.

In this episode of the Mujaz podcast, we speak with Al-Absi’s sister, Qabool Al-Absi, who shares how the aftermath of his death led to threats and persecution that ultimately forced her and her family to flee Yemen.

Qabool—head of the Qarar Foundation for Media and Sustainable Development and a researcher on refugee and migration issues—discusses the current situation of Yemeni refugees in host countries. She highlights the lack of international protection and media attention to their plight, and the negligence of both local and international communities. The war in Yemen has turned thousands of migrants into refugees, and this episode sheds light on the devastating consequences of that displacement.

The conversation also explores refugee rights, resettlement procedures, and the economic and social hardships Yemenis face in the diaspora. Despite the painful reality, the episode looks at the opportunities that still exist for Yemenis to build a better future.