Watan – The British website, Middle East Eye, a spotlight cast on Yemen’s unique predicament during its latest military ceasefire. Intriguingly, Yemenis are finding solace, even as they lose lucrative employment opportunities
The site noted that families had been divided, fighting on various fronts, with siblings sometimes battling each other. With the cessation of their primary source of income from participating in the war fronts, many are now facing financial crises. However, the overarching sentiment is one of relief and hope for the end of the war and the rise of peace prospects in the country, especially with the ongoing negotiations led by the Houthis in Riyadh.
The conflict saw a surge of Yemenis enlisting, driven by various factions backed by external powers such as the UAE, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. The allure of salaries in Saudi riyals tempted many to forsake their modest-paying jobs, lured by the promise of better remuneration on the battlefronts. Yet, in a twist of irony, many have expressed a profound sense of relief at the loss of these very jobs.
Thousands of Yemenis had joined a fierce war, with factions supported by the UAE, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Many of these fighters received salaries in Saudi riyals, prompting a significant portion to abandon their low-paying jobs and join the battles for better wages. Still, despite the allure of higher pay, many Yemenis expressed contentment in losing these jobs.
However, Middle East Eye warned that some fighters face an uncertain future, especially in a country experiencing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Many soldiers are now abandoning their weapons, seeking to build a new life away from the battlefield.
The subsequent challenge for Yemen’s youth will be unemployment, securing job opportunities, and combating the physical and moral damages left by the war. This conflict has torn apart the social fabric, with brothers fighting against each other, leading to a fragmented society.
Middle East Eye shared the story of Ahmed, who left the Yemeni army after witnessing the children of his colleagues become orphans due to the war. Ahmed, who once believed that fighting was the only way out, realized that nothing was worth dying for, leaving families behind without care. He hopes for a peaceful agreement between the warring parties.
Another story is of Adnan, 41, who fought against his cousin, a Houthi fighter. Despite their close relationship, politics tore their bond apart. Adnan’s wife repeatedly urged him to leave the battlefronts, but the situation in Yemen dictated otherwise.
The UN reports that the war in Yemen has caused food insecurity, with over 21 million Yemenis needing assistance. The human loss is estimated at around 377,000 deaths between 2015 and early 2022. International efforts, including those by the United States, have been made to bridge the gap between the UAE and Saudi Arabia regarding the Yemen war, as reported by the Financial Times.
The conflict in Yemen began with a popular uprising in 2011 that ousted Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh after 33 years in power. However, foreign intervention and armed conflicts supported by Gulf Arab states exacerbated the crisis. This led to a full-blown armed conflict in March 2015, with a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE intervening against the Iran-backed Houthi forces.
The economic downturn, accentuated by the plummeting value of the Yemeni riyal and the state’s inability to disburse public sector wages, has further deepened the humanitarian abyss. This grim tableau is further darkened by allegations of war crimes and gross human rights violations, as documented by various watchdogs.
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