Popular protests in #Hadramout and #Aden as a result of the deterioration of the value of the #Yemeni riyal, the difficult living conditions and the increase of political players.
According to local media, the most prominent governorates of liberated southern Yemen, Aden, and Hadramout, are witnessing popular protests against the backdrop of deteriorating living conditions, the continued depreciation of the Yemeni riyal, and ongoing power outages. The emergence of new entities enrages opponents and players in Yemen's multifaceted conflict.
The Yemeni riyal has been declining in areas controlled by the internationally recognized legitimate government since April, despite its relative stability since August 2022. The Yemeni riyal's currency valuation has fluctuated in recent years due to a variety of factors, including high seasonal demand, increased foreign trade, and trade policy. Furthermore, the prices of some commodities in Hadramout and Aden increased significantly in 2023 compared to 2022.
Given limited income, reduced humanitarian aid, and significantly higher-than-average food prices, negative outcomes are expected to persist. Yemen is expected to experience increased food insecurity. the governorates of Aden, Lahj, and parts of Taiz, Abyan, Shabwa, and Al-Dhalea may face severe food insecurity until December 2023.
Experts had previously predicted a significant decline in the value of the Yemeni riyal and the government's inability to pay public sector salaries after oil exports ceased in late 2022 as a result of a Houthi drone attack on the oil export ports of Hadramout and Shabwa in the country's southeast. However, the government was able to hold out. However, this is not expected to last for long; oil revenues, the government's primary source of income, are desperately needed.
During the summer months of each year, Yemen's coastal areas experience frequent and prolonged power outages. This is because of a variety of factors, including fuel shortages, insufficient generating capacity, and an aging distribution network. Residents of these hot areas, where temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius, suffer as a result of power outages.
Power outages and the deterioration of the Yemeni riyal have contributed to repeated popular protests in Yemen since the beginning of the crisis in 2010, and to the crisis escalating into an armed conflict in 2014 as a result of the Houthis' control of the capital, Sana'a, and the expulsion of the legitimate government.
Recently, and as one of the tools for conflict resolution in the country, several new entities, such as the Hadramout National Council, have been formed, ostensibly to include as many groups as possible in the political dialogue and consultations to determine the country's future. However, some see the new entities, particularly the Southern Transitional Council, as an attempt to balance local forces in the country; this creates significant divisions in southern Yemen.
To achieve long-term peace in Yemen, various groups, including youth, women, and marginalized groups, must participate to the greatest extent possible. There is, however, an urgent need to avoid hate speech and incitement, to resist extremism, and to achieve a reasonable level of economic security. Without it, the causes of conflict will remain dormant, and instability will fade until it returns.
According to a recent Security Council press release, there has been no progress in Yemen peace talks since the Saudi delegation visited Sana'a. In a recent Security Council briefing, Special Representative Hans Grundberg stated that the fight over Yemen's economic wealth "has become inseparable from the political and military conflict."
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