By taking this route, he avoided the detour via Pointe de Galle, which was typically required by the sailing schooners connecting Port Louis to Ceylon.

His activities in Aden were influenced by the political and economic framework established by the East India Company, which maintained a significant presence and authority in the region.

[12] Coghlan's meeting with the chief on October 25 was brief and strained, reportedly due to discussions about the abolition of slavery and English support for the ousted Sharmarke Ali Salih.

[16][17] Lambert left Mokha after a stay of twenty-four hours and sailed towards Al-Hodeydah where he met the Turkish Pasha, an elderly man with whom he forms a certain friendship.

[19][20] He returned to Aden on 26 December, ultimately remaining there between January 22 to April 11, 1856, as he was interested in Zeila's political activity regarding Sharmake Ali Salih being dispossessed by the Ottoman Pasha of Al-Hodeydah.

Departing Aden on April 11 aboard a rented dhow, he arrived in Zeila the next day, receiving a warm welcome from its residents and the local chief, Aboubakr.

Despite local tensions, Lambert successfully negotiated for livestock and witnessed a caravan bound for Shoa, gaining insights into the customs of the Issa people.

[25][26] He explored the surrounding countryside, noted for its active volcano and thermal springs, and established rapport with the local Danakil community through gifts and diplomacy.

Departing Obock on May 5, he made brief stops in Mokha and Al-Hodeydah, where festivities celebrated the end of the Crimean War and earned him the nickname "bird of good omen" from the Turks.

Alongside Ida Pfeiffer and other Europeans, he became involved in a failed plot to overthrow Queen Ranavalona and her Prime Minister, leading to his banishment from Madagascar in September 1857.

The Port Louis–Aden line saw little activity during this period, and Joseph, focused on his Malagasy ventures, soon departed for Europe, particularly Paris, where he continued to hope for French colonisation of Madagascar.

[35] Officially recognized by the Governor-General of India in Calcutta on September 2, 1857, Lambert received his appointment letter from interim French Consul Angelucci on October 10, 1857.

[38][39][40][41] In May 1, 1858, a dispute arose involving Commandant Mequet, who had reimbursed 4,000 thalers extorted from Aboubeker by Ahmed Pacha under the pretext of embezzling materials from the French ship Caïman.

[43][44][45] On July 5, 1858, Lambert acknowledged receipt of Admiral Hamelin's letter and included emphatic declarations from Aboubeker, then in Aden, pledging loyalty to Napoleon III and France.

Although unable to travel to Paris as Aboubakr suggested, Lambert proposed delegating the mission to Commandant Mequet, believing the recent British occupation of Perim Island would deter English objections to French intervention.

[47][48] Henri Lambert, after offering his resignation due to financial and health issues, reconsidered following a letter from Prince Napoleon urging him to continue his consular duties in Aden.

Struggling with destitution and receiving little support from Paris, Lambert tried to maintain his role but faced mounting challenges, including the refusal of J. Gautier to succeed him and critical reports from Commander Tricault.