Yemen’s war winding down; significant challenges still ahead
After more than eight years of conflict, the war in Yemen looks like it is coming to an end with the two sides agreeing last month to free hundreds of prisoners as part of a multi-day exchange.
Saudi Arabia launched the war in March 2015 against Yemen’s Houthis – the Ansarullah resistance movement – to return power to the country’s former government and crush the Houthis, who have been running state affairs in the absence of a functional government in Yemen.
Saudi Arabia and the Houthis are edging closer to an agreement with the hope that it may bring the long war to a close.
The deal in question includes an initial six-month truce, an agreement to pay government salaries for public employees in areas under Houthi control, and Saudi Arabia lifting blockades on Yemeni ports.
While the end of the war is certainly a positive development, there are still significant challenges ahead as Yemen tries to rebuild and address the humanitarian crisis that has resulted from the conflict.
One of the biggest challenges facing Yemen is the humanitarian crisis.
Millions of Yemenis are facing starvation and disease due to the destruction of the infrastructure and a blockade on food and medical supplies in the war-wracked country. The UN has called the situation in Yemen the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with over two-thirds of its population – 21.6 million people – in acute need of humanitarian assistance, including over 20 million requiring urgent health assistance.
While the peace agreement includes provisions for reopening critical infrastructure like ports and airports, it will take time and significant resources to rebuild these facilities and ensure that aid can reach those who need it.
Another challenge facing Yemen is the issue of militias and armed groups. The peace deal also includes provisions for the disarmament of militias, but it remains to be seen how this will be implemented on the ground. Yemen is home to a patchwork of armed groups and militias, some of which have ties to regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Disarming these groups will require cooperation and coordination among the former government, the Houthis, and regional powers, which may prove difficult given the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
In addition to the humanitarian crisis and the issue of militias, Yemen also faces significant economic challenges. The war has had a devastating impact on the country’s economy, with GDP shrinking by more than half since the conflict began. Rebuilding Yemen’s economy will require significant investment and the development of new industries to replace those that have been destroyed by the war. It will also require addressing corruption and ensuring that aid and resources are distributed fairly and transparently.
Finally, the end of the Yemen war also raises questions about the future of Yemeni politics. The peace deal includes provisions for a transitional government, but it remains to be seen how this will be achieved and whether it will be successful in bringing stability to the country. With a range of political factions and tribal groups, there is a risk that the country could slide back into conflict if these groups are not adequately represented in the transitional government.
In conclusion, while the end of the war is certainly a positive development, addressing the challenges will require significant resources, coordination, and cooperation among all sides including regional powers, and the international community. The world will be watching closely to see whether Yemen can successfully navigate these challenges and emerge as a stable and prosperous country.