Newsletter of the Friends of South Yemen Issue 9 — 16th February ­ 15th March 2021

International Zoom conferences discuss Yemen’s problems but offer few solutions

South Yemen Update provides an insight into a number of just getting people round the table in Geneva to shake hands international Zoom conferences which analyzed the and sign a piece of paper is not enough. A lot of people do country’s seemingly intractable problems as the momentum not want the war to end as they benefit from it. Global towards peace increases. terrorism has an epicentre in Yemen and that has to be Apart from the Next Century Foundation, which addressed. Without the right to self determination of the endorsed the plan for the federalization of Yemen put southern people of Yemen nothing will be solved. This issue forward by the National Dialogue Conference, few solutions has to be part of any solution. Just drawing a line between for ending the continuing war and securing a lasting peace North and South Yemen will no longer take care of the were put forward. Friends of South Yemen (FOSY) has problem. What will happen to Hadhramawt? People think it written to the recently appointed US Special Envoy on is a matter of President Hadi’s government and the Southern Yemen, Tim Lenderking proposing two constitutionally Transitional Council (STC) against the Houthis. There were recognized autonomous regions: the northern region and ideological differences between Hadi’s government and the the southern region, each with its own parliament, political STC that boiled out into open warfare. There are tribal parties, elections, executive, ministries, legislative and affiliations of Abyan and Shabwa on the one hand and judicial powers, budget, judicial system, internal security Radfan and Dala on the other. It is not just the north against forces and police. A central transitional administration the south. The south­south issues are also very complex. The headed by President Hadi could be responsible for defence, Saudis will not allow a Hezbollah­like organization fully foreign policy and the allocation of an equitable share of armed on its border. The Houthis will not accept to lay down national revenue. (See South Yemen Update Issue 8 for the their arms because they feel they will be massacred. So there full text of the letter.) has to be an investment zone in the north that was spoken Three hundred and thirty organizations from 18 about in 2000. Instead of depopulating border areas, countries took part in a global day of action organized by the populating them will create jobs and will build trust between UK­based Stop the War Coalition to protest against the war. between the Saudis and the Houthis. But the protestors focused solely on the coalition’s bombing of the infrastructure and killing of civilians and totally SAMA’A AL­HAMDANI FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE ignored the Houthis who are armed and supported by Iran. DIRECTOR OF THE YEMEN CULTURAL INSTITUTE WASHINGTON: The US is not doing enough. It can remove the involvement of the UAE and Saudi Arabia but to engage Arab Centre, Washington (ACW) in real peace all the Yemeni parties have to be engaged. The Yemen Policy under Biden: way that the various actors look at Yemen is quite different. Opportunities and Challenges For Iran, Yemen is a way of hurting Saudi Arabia and 18th February advancing in the region. To Saudi Arabia it is a ABDULWAHAB AL­KEBSI security threat from a MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR neighbour. For the US it PROGRAMS AT THE US CENTER is a key to resolving the FOR INTERNATIONAL AND Saudi­Iranian proxy war PRIVATE ENTERPRISE: Yemen is and resolving the now a top foreign policy priority for tensions between Iran the USA. There have been back­ and the US. The role of channel talks with the Houthis. The Oman needs to be USA is finally not looking at Yemen activated. It is a place through a Saudi prism but from a where Yemenis can meet US foreign policy objectives prism. and talk with each other. Yemen is a very complex issue so For a lasting peace the

In an interview with the Guardian Southern Transitional Council President Aidaroos Qasim Al­Zubaidi, calls for a UN sponsored referendum on independence for the South. He tells CNN that co­existence with the Houthis is not possible – visit www.friendsofsouthyemen.org for details. Page 2 South Yemen Update Issue 9 — 16th February ­ 15th March 2021

Yemenis have to sign into the peace process but the ground programme. “An international body needs to support the for that to happen has not been set. Any peace settlement new government with all its deficiencies. The focus should that does not include Yemenis is likely to fail and trap now be on economic development rather than donor Yemen in a cycle of wars where it is going to be a country conferences. Yemen has enough resources if those resources with no regional involvement and no commitment from were managed properly. There are 350,000 oil barrels a day, Saudi Arabia or the UAE to continue helping with the aid sufficient gas to export, fisheries and substantial customs situation but with continuous turmoil within. and tax revenues. Yemen can sustain its own development. If the economic NADWA AL­DAWSARI NON­RESIDENT SCHOLAR AT problems are sorted out, THE WASHINGTON BASED MIDDLE EAST INSTITUTE: a solution to the political The current peace process by the UN Envoy Martin Griffiths problems will come is deeply flawed, because it is fixated on a political eventually. An settlement between the Houthis and Hadi’s government. A international body is a political settlement is not going to end the war or mitigate much better proposition the humanitarian situation. than the current corrupt Griffiths has been pushing for administration. a ceasefire for years with no A two­region success. The Stockholm solution may be a Agreement was used by the temporary solution. Houthis to regroup and With the Houthis expand militarily and now controlling almost 80 they are threatening Marib, per cent of the north it is the last stronghold of the impossible to talk about Yemeni government. The Yemeni unity which in same thing will happen if a reality does not exist. The Houthis control of one part of the political settlement is forced country and the STC and other players in the south control down the throats of Yemenis the other part. So a two region solution similar to Kurdistan in the name of peace. The may provide a temporary political solution. There are Houthis are not going to different political Southern players including supporters of descalate. They define this the President of the internationally government who are also war as a war between them Southerners. The South also has a problem now with and the Saudis. If they take Marib they will move south. If Shabwa and Hadramawt governorates but these could be they take Yemen they will push inside Saudi Arabia. dealt with in reconciliation between the different parties. It is very important that the Houthis are pushed far from The Southern Transitional Council or any other group Marib. Yemen is not ready for a political settlement. The should not rule the South on its own because the effects of the war on civilians have to be mitigated through environment is conducive to democratic elections to decide open roads and seaports, salaries paid on time and the local on the leaders. The South is not driven by conflicts of tribes, economy improved. Hopefully over time there will be trust it is driven by conflicts of politics and political intransigence. between the different parties. The Yemeni conflict will end If we can resolve that we can have a state in the South. That but it will be on Yemeni terms. Only Yemenis will decide is the best weapon to get rid of the Houthis. If our Northern when peace will happen and there are not enough incentives brothers and sisters see a functioning state in the South for the parties to end the conflict. A political settlement where people get paid and services are delivered they will get under the current circumstances will most likely reinforce rid of the Houthis. The Houthis cannot be dislodged by an the current power dynamics and lock Yemen into a cycle of armed struggle. They have been through six wars with the perpetual war bringing 30 million Yemenis closer to famine Yemeni state before this war and with tribal and Iranian and pushing the country further away from peace. backing are very powerful. With regard to stopping arms sales we should go for an international embargo on arms sales to those countries that are involved in the war including Iran. If weapons cannot be bought from the British Next Century Foundation (NCF) they will be bought from the Chinese or the Russians. An The future governance of Yemen (side international agreement is required to stop sales of weapons meeting to 46th session of the UNHRC) on all sides. 1st March 2021 We as Yemenis, all of us want this war to end as quickly as possible. I have every faith that Yemenis will come to a NCF SECRETARY GENERAL WILLIAM MORRIS opened political solution. They have come to political solutions the meeting of London­based NCF by summarizing the main before, they are strong people, with a strong culture and points made in the NCF’s written statement, which civilization and they are able to resolve their own problems expressed concern that the Tehama region which contains eventually. Many of Yemen’s problems are caused by foreign 23 per cent of Yemen’s population is not represented in the interference. The less of that we get the better we can new government. For the first time in 20 years there are no become as Yemenis. women in the government. The NCF supports the National Dialogue Conference’s proposal to divide Yemen into six regions and some form of regional governance. FRIENDS OF SOUTH YEMEN (FOSY) ABDUL GALIL SHAIF CHAIRMAN FRIENDS OF 2 Firshill Road SOUTH YEMEN: There needs to be an international body Sheffield S4 7BB that can help the UN Special Envoy on Yemen Martin United Kingdom Griffiths to look at the economic situation in Yemen as a Tele: +44 7802 763711 whole, the north and the south. The new Yemeni Email: info@friendsof southyemen.org government has now been in place for almost two months Website: www.friendsofsouthyemen.org and they do not have an economic programme or a political Facebook: fb.me/fosy2020 South Yemen Update Issue 9 — 16th February ­ 15th March 2021 Page 3

Foreign Policy Centre & SEPAD provide psycho­social support for vulnerable children and (Sectarianism, Proxies and adults. It is at this level of community engagement where a De­sectarianisation Project) at Richardson great deal of the opportunities lie for laying the groundwork Institute for Peace, Lancaster University for peace. Building a lasting peace? Power sharing Me and my colleagues have been talking to artists and and sectarian identities in Yemen peace lovers in lots of different areas of Yemen and we are 2nd March 2021 seeing that some of the greatest opportunities for peace building and rebuilding social cohesion is about recognizing KATE NEVENS NON­RESIDENT CONSULTANT WITH the different types of activities that ultimately contribute to THE YEMEN POLICY CENTER: Religious and sectarian this. Creative arts are a really important part of this. They differences are not playing any role driving local conflicts. are actually better placed than formal processes to deal with Unrest in most communities is caused by the lack of the complexities of the conflict and also the emotional availability of fuel, food and medicine, a lack of jobs and content of conflicts that is not often talked about. Painting, housing. The social writing, story telling, theatre, music and comedy help us to divisions are also broaden our thinking about what peace building efforts can affecting civil society do away from the traditional focus on institution building. which is one of the They provide a space that is much more inclusive. cornerstones to building We have found all sorts of cultural activities are peace in Yemen. It is happening in Yemen despite all the difficulties around increasingly difficult for freedom of expression. There are pop stars making music civil society actors to and videos about tolerance and not using sectarian language. move around the There are women’s organizations in places like Marib using country to meet with traditional forms of poetry to campaign against child other activists. It is recruitment. Theatre and comedy performances in Taiz and incredibly difficult to do Mukallah are bringing communities together in a kind of any work without being jolly manner. Young women are being brought together to labelled as serving the learn the violin and while they are not going to be able to agenda of a particular perform publicly right now there is a real sense that taking conflict actor. We are seeing a massively restricted space for part in these activities are what they want the Yemeni future civic activism particularly for young people and for women. to be. Despite this community groups, youth groups and women’s Dealing with violent conflict is essentially about dealing groups are continuing to come together, particularly at a with the brokenness of society, community and individuals. local level and finding ways and spaces of working towards This is seldom talked about when formal arrangements to peace. They are spearheading local humanitarian bring the men with the guns to the table are made. Arts and interventions in spaces that international organizations culture are ready to provide that kind of essential space for cannot reach. They provide education centres, health centres society to reconcile. and distribute food and water. A lot of women’s groups

No end in sight to Yemen’s war on sixth anniversary of Saudi intervention

The war in Yemen has been raging for six devastating years, Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, after the Houthis seized the capital Sana’a and the Saudi­led said the new US administration asks Yemenis to halt their coalition began its deadly intervention on 26 March 2015, attacks while it does not ask the Saudi invaders to lift the when it responded to a request from deposed President crippling siege imposed on Yemen. He stressed that the Abdroba Mansur Hadi for assistance. Houthis were ready to discuss a political solution after the An estimated 100,000 people have been killed, including end of the aggression and the siege. “The blockade on Yemen tens of thousands killed by the deadly famine caused by the is more dangerous than direct military aggression.” war and the blockades. 17,500 civilians have been killed or Yemen has become Saudi Arabia’s Vietnam and the injured as a direct result of the conflict since 2015, over kingdom now needs a face saving excuse to extricate itself three­quarters of the population are food insecure and from the conflict which it thought would end with a millions are on the brink of famine. blitzkrieg lasting only three weeks. In 2017, Trump signed a deal with Saudi Arabia to In her paper The Saudi Intervention in Yemen: provide arms worth $110 billion immediately and $350 Struggling for Status, May Darwich, Assistant Professor in billion over the next 10 years. Joe Biden ended arms sales to International Relations for the Middle East at Durham Saudi Arabia and the UAE last month but the war continues University, argues that the intervention is driven by a will for as the Saudi Defence Minister pledged his country’s support status. “In the post­2011 order, the Kingdom has fought for for Yemen. And America has promised to continue assisting its status as a regional power at both regional and Saudi Arabia if the country’s security is threatened. international levels. In this context, the Saudi leadership As this newsletter went to press the battle for the responded to regime change in Yemen with a violent strategic city of Marib, a centre of the oil industry, continues. intervention to confirm its status as a leading power in the If this city falls to the Houthis they will have total control of region.” North Yemen. A senior Houthi official said attacks on Saudi Saudi Arabia announced that the goal of its intervention targets would continue until the Saudi war and the tight air was “defending the legitimate government in Yemen” and and naval blockade come to an end. “saving Yemeni people from the Houthi aggression.” During In an interview with Lebanon­based Al­Mayadeen the 26th Arab League Summit in Sharm al­Sheikh (28­29 television news at the beginning of March Mohammed al­ March 2015), King Salman vowed: “the campaign will Page 4 South Yemen Update Issue 9 — 16th February ­ 15th March 2021

CHRONOLOGY continue until it achieves its goals for the Yemeni people to enjoy security.” Another narrative evolved quickly as the primary rationale behind the Saudi Feb 16: The Houthis intensify their decision—that of a war between the Kingdom and the Iran­backed Houthis, who attacks on Saudi Arabia and Marib. belong to a Shiite sect. The Saudi­owned media and religious authorities portrayed ­The United States special envoy to Yemen says Washington is Yemen as a battlefield for the Saudis to fight the Shiites, perceived as a threat not only “aggressively” using back­channel to Yemen but to the entire region. King Salman accused the Houthis of being backed discussions to speak to the Houthi by Iran and of causing sectarian division in Yemen. leadership in an effort to end Yemen’s Since March 2015, the sea, air, war. and naval blockade over the country Feb 17: The United States urges the imposed by the Saudi­led coalition Houthis to halt their offensive on sparked a catastrophic humanitarian Marib. crisis. The airstrikes targeted the ­The coalition announces it intercepted and destroyed in Yemeni airspace an infrastructure—airports, roads, explosive­laden drone launched by the factories, and power stations—in a Houthis towards Saudi Arabia. country that was already unable to Feb 18: Oxfam research shows nearly maintain a basic infrastructure two out of every five families in Yemen without foreign aid. The attacks also get into debt to buy food and targeted civilians, refugee camps, medicines. schools, places of worship and ­The UAE is dismantling parts of a residential buildings, which highly Coalition bombs have caused hundreds of civilian military base it runs in Eritrea after it casualties and damaged infrastructure pulled back from the war in nearby increased the war casualties and Yemen, satellite photos analyzed by atrocities. Associated Press show. The cost of the operation continues to mount for the Saudi Kingdom, and there is Feb 19: Islamic state reportedly issues still no appearing agenda to minimize the costs. The perseverance in this catastrophic a short statement, saying it has carried war reflects the Saudi elites’ aversion to perceived losses, especially in terms of status, out operations against Yemen’s Houthi and any attempt to solve the conflict without conveying the image of a Saudi victory is forces in Marib province, killing and unlikely to succeed. wounding a number of the movement’s Friends of South Yemen (FOSY) has proposed the setting up of an autonomous forces. ­The United States reaffirms its northern region and an autonomous southern region overseen by a central “strategic defence partnership” with government. This solution could well provide the Saudis with the face saving formula Riyadh in the face of renewed attacks they seek and may be acceptable to the Houthis who would participate in a major way by Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia, in the administration of the north. during a call between US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. KEY DATES IN THE YEMEN WAR Feb 20: The Marib dam as well as Al­ Balaq mountain is captured by the Houthis. The Yemen government March 2015: Operation Decisive Storm – After repeated pleas from President accuses the Houthis of using civilians Hadi, a Saudi­led coalition of Arab states initiates Operation Decisive Storm in as human shields. support of the ousted president. The coalition launches air strikes against Houthi ­The United Nations reports Yemen’s targets, deploys small ground forces, and imposes a naval blockade. The United States warring sides did not achieve progress announces its intention to aid the coalition’s efforts. in their latest round of negotiations April 2015: Operation Restoring Hope – The coalition declares an end to over a prisoner swap. Operation Decisive Storm. Saudi Arabia announces it will move on to a phase Feb 21: A report was released during a described as Operation Restoring Hope. Despite the announcement, the Saudi­led seminar organized by the Women for Peace in Yemen Coalition, the March 8 coalition continues to bomb Houthi positions and the United States increases its arms Bloc for Yemeni Women and the sales for the Saudi campaign in Yemen. Yemeni Organization for Combating April 2015 – Despite the bombing campaign, the Houthis capture the city of Ataq. Human Trafficking documenting 274 August 2015 – After months of fighting with Sunni tribesmen and AQAP militants, cases of enforced disappearance and the Houthis take control of the entire Shabwah governorate in south Yemen. 292 arrests of human rights activists September 2015 – President Hadi returns to Aden after Saudi­backed government from the education sector. forces and those loyal to Hadi recapture the port city from Houthi forces. ­King Salman Humanitarian Aid and October 2016­May 2017 – Both sides of the conflict allegedly break ceasefires. The Relief Center (KSrelief)'s Masam Project for Clearing Mines in Yemen United Nations and others try to broker peace talks and political resolutions. The clears 1,531 mines, planted by the Houthis claim responsibility for firing missiles into Saudi Arabia, including at the Houthis, during the third week of capital, Riyadh. February 2021, including 100 anti­ November 2017 – Saudi Arabia intercepts a missile fired towards its airport in personnel mines, 388 anti­tank mines, Riyadh and blames the Houthis, Iran, and Lebanon’s Hezbollah for escalating the war. 1,041 unexploded ordnance and two January 2018 – In a firefight, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) seizes explosive devices. control of Aden, Yemen’s main southern city and government headquarters. Feb 22: Unknown gunmen storm the August­October 2018 – International furore over the Saudi­led coalition’s war in home of the Taiz governor in Aden, and kidnap a high­ranking security official. Yemen grows after an air raid strikes a school bus, killing 40, mostly children. UN ­The UN envoy to Yemen Martin efforts to mediate between the Yemeni government and the Houthis in Geneva are Griffiths is in Saudi Arabia for a series fruitless. of meetings with Yemeni and Saudi Later that month, after UN­mediated talks, the Yemeni government and the officials, according to a UN spokesman. Houthis sign the Stockholm Agreement that includes prisoner swaps, a mutual Feb 23: The Yemeni army urges the redeployment of forces away from Hodeida port, and a committee to discuss the International Committee of the Red contested city of Taiz. The cease­fire is set to take effect on December 18. Overall, the Cross (ICRC) to help retrieve the Stockholm Agreement fails to achieve its goals and neither side agrees to withdraw bodies of Houthi fighters abandoned on battlefields in Marib and the from Hodeida. South Yemen Update Issue 9 — 16th February ­ 15th March 2021 Page 5

January­June 2019 – Fighting continues. Houthis launch a drone attack on Al­ northern province of Jawf. KSrelief signs a joint cooperation Anad Air Base north of Aden, injuring dozens and killing the head of Yemeni agreement with the World Food intelligence. By June, the UAE unilaterally scales back its military presence in Programme (WFP) to improve food Yemen while continuing to support the STC, which had seized more power in security for the most affected families Aden. Meanwhile, the Houthis step up efforts to attack Saudi territory, including in some areas of Yemen. This launching missiles at oil installations and airports. agreement will benefit two and a third July­September 2019 – The UAE announces it has completed its troop million people at a cost of $40 million drawdown in Yemen, but by August, the STC effectively assumes control of the to prevent famine and malnutrition. southern governorates of Aden, Abyan, and Shabwa. By the end of August, UAE Feb 24: Increased hostilities in Yemen’s Marib governorate lead to the forces conduct air raids against Yemen government forces heading to Aden to displacement of at least 8,000 people regain control. in recent weeks, bringing the total In August, the Houthis launch “Operation Victory from God” against Saudi­led number of displacements in that part of forces and the group continues to escalate its attacks on Saudi oil installations. In the country to more than 116,000. September, the Houthis claim to have used drones to bomb oil processing facilities ­The United Nations says new requests in Abqaiq and Khurais in eastern Saudi Arabia. by the Houthis will further delay UN November 2019 – In an effort to end the fighting between ostensible coalition experts from examining an oil tanker partners in southern Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE broker a power­sharing moored off the country’s coast loaded with more than 1 million barrels of agreement between their respective partners in the Yemen government forces and crude oil that is at risk of leaking. the STC. The Riyadh Agreement is signed in early November, but by December, Feb 25: Yemen “is falling off a cliff” clashes between the two resume. and will face the worst famine the January­February 2020 – Fighting between the Saudi­led coalition and the world has seen for decades unless Houthis picks up. Houthi forces carry out missile attacks on military training donors, and especially its Gulf camps and in Saudi Arabia’s southern provinces. They claim to “liberate” roughly neighbours, contribute generously to 1,550 square miles of territory in the al­Jawf and Marib governorates from Saudi­ this year’s UN humanitarian appeal for led forces, a claim the coalition denies. $3.85 billion, the UN humanitarian chief warns. In April the Southern Transitional Council (STC) declares a state of emergency ­Hospitals should prepare for a in Aden and all southern governorates, assuming self­administration rule in place possible second wave of COVID­19 and of the local authorities under the control of the internationally recognized take steps to prevent the disease government spreading, health authorities in the government­controlled part of Yemen say. Feb 26: The UN Security Council imposes sanctions on a Houthi official, blaming Sultan Zabin for the rape and torture of women activists. ­Oman’s foreign minister Badr Al­ Busaidi holds talks with US Special Envoy for Yemen Timothy Lenderking on the possibility of ending the war. Feb 27: More than 60 fighters are killed in clashes between the Houthis and government forces in Marib. ­The UAE commits $230 million for aid, ahead of the United Nations Pledging Conference. Civilians pay the price of a senseless war (Pic: UN OCHA Giles Clarke) Feb 28: The Houthis threaten further strikes against Saudi Arabia as June­November 2020 – In June, the Southern Transitional Council deposes coalition air strikes pound their the recognized government in Socotra, with government supporters decrying the positions in Marib. move as a coup d’état. The following month, the STC says it has renounced its ­Hundreds of Yemeni families trapped claim to self­rule and will return to the previously agreed­upon power­sharing inside their camps in Marib by the Houthis are being used as a human structure. shield against government forces, a In October, the warring sides in Yemen carry out the conflict’s largest prisoner Yemen government unit claims. swap. By November, Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have reportedly initiated back Mar 1: Joe Biden can help end the war channel talks, with Saudi officials indicating their willingness to sign a cease­fire in Yemen by backing a UN­sponsored deal and end the Saudi air and sea blockade in exchange for the creation of a buffer referendum on independence for the zone between Houthi­controlled territory in Yemen and the kingdom’s borders. South, the president of the STC says. The Houthis later claim to have fired a missile at the coastal Saudi city of Jeddah. ­Fierce fighting in Marib between the December 2020 – The STC and the Hadi government formalize a new power­ Houthis and the Yemeni army rages in the area near the strategic dam. sharing agreement in Aden. Just weeks later, as the new cabinet arrives in Aden Mar 2: UN Secretary­General António from Saudi Arabia, an attack on the airport kills at least two dozen people, but no Guterres expresses disappointment at ministers. The Hadi government, the STC, and much of the international the outcome of a High­Level Pledging community blame the Houthis for the attack and Saudi warplanes conduct Event. “Pledges announced total retaliatory raids on Sanaa. approximately $1.7 billion. That is less February 2021 – President Joe Biden announces changes to US policy towards than we received for the humanitarian Yemen, including revoking the Houthi FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organization) response plan in 2020, and a billion designation, declaring an end to US support for the Saudi­led coalition’s offensive dollars less than was pledged at the conference we held in 2019,” Guterres operations in the conflict. said. The battle for Marib between the Houthis and the coalition forces rages with ­The UAE deploys military officials to increasing loss of life. Socotra, Mukhtar Al­Rahbi, an adviser to the Yemeni Information Minister, Page 6 South Yemen Update Issue 9 — 16th February ­ 15th March 2021

says. ­The Houthis warn Riyadh in messages Compassion fatigue drastically reduces that the oilfield in the Safar area is a red line for them and if coalition forces humanitarian relief for Yemen bomb the area they will respond by attacking Saudi Aramco. Mar 3: A Houthi spokesman says a “If we stay at home we starve, if we new drone attack has been launched on go out we can catch the disease Saudi Arabia’s Abha International (COVID).” This simple statement Airport in retaliation for the Riyadh from a refugee in Marib summarizes regime’s ongoing military aggression the plight of most Yemeni civilians and blockade against Yemen. caught between the devil and the ­At Prime Minister’s Questions Boris deep blue sea. Johnson is pressed to justify a cut in But after six years of war and aid to Yemen while the UK continues to sell arms to Saudi Arabia. Boris increasing appeals from Johnson insisted moves to slash aid are international organizations for in line with the priorities of Britons, billions of pounds for humanitarian relief, donors who were once generous are suffering despite a growing Tory rebellion. from compassion fatigue as the latest High­Level Pledging Event held on March 1st ­The US government sanctions two showed. Houthi leaders, Mansur al­Sa'adi and UN Secretary­General António Guterres expressed his disappointment at the low level Ahmad 'Ali Ahsan al­Hamzi, accusing of pledges which he described as a “down payment”. The UN asked for $3.85 billion but them of prolonging Yemen's civil war pledges totalled approximately $1.7 billion. That is less than the UN received for the and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis there. humanitarian response plan in 2020, and a billion dollars less than was pledged at the Mar 4: The Houthis say they attacked conference held in 2019. an oil facility in Jeddah. “Cutting aid is a death sentence,” Guterres said. “The best that can be said about today ­The International Organization for (March 1) is that it represents a down payment. I thank those who did pledge generously, Migration says that at least 20 and I ask others to consider again what they can do to help stave off the worst famine the migrants and refugees are dead after world has seen in decades. smugglers threw 80 people overboard “In the end, the only path to peace is through an immediate, nationwide ceasefire and a during a voyage from Djibouti to set of confidence­building measures, followed by an inclusive, Yemeni­led political process Yemen. ­Seven cities in New Zealand come out under United Nations auspices and supported by the international community. There is no in full force to join city­wide marches other solution. The United Nations will continue to stand in solidarity with the starving organized by Rise for Lives (RFL) people of Yemen.” which called for an immediate ceasefire Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with Kuwait, provided 32 per cent of funding to the in Yemen and drew attention to child UN­led response operation from 2016 to 2020, according to UN data. But this money has deaths. petered out in the past few years or come late. Last year, Saudi Arabia pledged $500 Mar 5: Two soldiers are killed and million and gave $314 million (in addition to other money through its own channels), while eight wounded when an explosion the United Arab Emirates gave nothing through the UN appeal, and Kuwait gave $102,000. ripped through a convoy of local military leaders in Aden. One of the most drastic cuts came from the United Kingdom which has been vilified ­The Yemeni army says Marib province after it pledged $122 million, about half the amount it offered at last year’s Yemen is completely “secured and stable” conference, and only 40 per cent of the total funding it provided during 2020. Friends of despite the intense offensive launched South Yemen Chairman Abdul Galil Shaif, in an interview with Radio 2, described the by the Houthis for over two weeks. decision to cut Britain’s contribution as a national shame. Mar 6: At least 90 combatants have Aid agencies warn that 400,000 children under five are at risk of dying from been killed in fighting around Marib malnutrition. In Shabwa province at the end of last year, the number of serious cases rose over a single day, government sources 10 per cent in 2020. A hospital in Abs serving remote mountain village communities say. ­The Yemeni Minister of Transport reported a 41 per cent rise in serious malnutrition cases compared with the same period Abdul­Salam Hamid dismisses the last year. Director of Socotra Port Riyad For children who manage to survive malnutrition and Yemen’s devastating outbreaks of Suleiman days after he uncovered the cholera and dengue fever, the future still holds many hazards. A doctor in Shabwa said he unloading from a UAE ship of military worried that the country was losing a whole generation to war. equipment. The Famine Relief Fund, which reportedly received most of its money from Saudi ­Over 100 charities write to the UK Arabia and the UAE, appeared on the scene on the day of the pledging event. It has invited government criticizing its decision to proposals from international aid groups already working in Yemen, and sources close to the cut aid to Yemen. Mar 7: A fire breaks out in a detention negotiations said that while agreements have not yet been signed, contracts worth around centre for migrants in Sanaa killing at $400 million to UN agencies and NGOs are in discussion. If this amount is reached, the least eight people and injuring more fund would be in the top 15 humanitarian donors worldwide – bigger than the sums than 170 others, the UN migration donated by many European nations– and in the top three donors to Yemen. The fund says agency says. “everything is designed to ensure that a rapid response fund can be stood up and ­Saudi Arabia says its largest oil export administered with optimal speed, low bureaucracy, and high accountability.” terminal at Ras Tanura in the Persian Speaking off the record, some aid groups said they were concerned by the requirement Gulf has emerged unscathed after that grantees spend the money within four months; this is unusual as NGOs and aid being targeted in a drone attack in a series of strikes allegedly launched by agencies are usually given at least a year to carry out projects. Setting up new treatment the Houthis. facilities and procuring supplies takes time, especially as some agencies have been Mar 8: Armed confrontations break shrinking due to cuts. out between security units loyal to the But those critical of the fund did not suggest how to make up the shortfall in the aid the STC and hundreds of protesters in UN has requested to prevent a bad situation from getting even worse. Tragically the Aden. international community is not doing enough to rid Yemen of the label as the country ­The United States says it is committed suffering from the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. And there is no vision or plan to to defending Saudi Arabia following extricate Yemen from dependence on aid and promote long term, income generating drone and missile strikes claimed by economic development. South Yemen Update Issue 9 — 16th February ­ 15th March 2021 Page 7

the Houthis. Noel Brehony looks back: Mar 9: The United States says the Houthis must show willingness to British diplomat rubs shoulders with engage in a political process to achieve peace in Yemen, after weeks of South Yemen’s leaders renewed missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. ­Three female survivors of Houthi prisons and detention facilities come At the beginning of 1970 I arrived in Aden, capital of what was then the People’s forward to share details of their Republic of South Yemen (PRSY – it became PDRY later that year). I was First abduction and abuse at the hands of Secretary and Head of Chancery at the British Embassy. I was immediately struck by their Houthi captors. Aden’s magnificent setting but also by the very few ships in its once thriving harbour. Mar 10: As humanitarian agencies The Suez Canal had been closed in the war between Israel and Egypt of June 1967, brace themselves for the impact of depriving the PRSY of what should have been its most importance source of income devastating UK Government overseas and potential for future development. aid cuts, charities are trying to find ways to mitigate the damage to lifeline After the Suez Canal reopened in 1975 the world’s shipping had learned to function supplies and services in Yemen without Aden. It is now forgotten that when the National Liberation Front (NLF) came ­America announces nearly $191 to power on 30 November 1967 South million in additional humanitarian Yemen had lost not just money from the assistance bringing its Fiscal Year 2021 port, but also the 20,000 jobs linked to the funding up to more than $350 million. former British military base and the British In total, the United States has provided subsidies. more than $3.4 billion in aid to the GDP fell by 15 per cent in both 1968 Yemeni people since the crisis began six years ago. and 1969. Difficulties were compounded by Mar 11: France, Germany, Italy, the the departure of perhaps 100,000 people, United Kingdom, and the United States including many doctors and other condemn the sustained Houthi professionals, associated with the British offensive on Ma’rib and the major and the NLF’s political opponents fleeing escalation of attacks the Houthis have the turbulent first two years of conducted and claimed against Saudi independence that culminated in June Arabia. Their determined attack on 1969 with the “Glorious Corrective Move”. Marib is worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis the four countries That coup saw the removal by the left said in a statement. wing of the National Front (“Liberation” Mar 12: Heavy clashes between the was dropped on independence) of so­called “right wing” leaders, notably President internationally­recognized Yemeni Qahtan al­Sha’abi and his cousin Faisal al­Sha’abi, who had been Secretary General of army and the Houthis break out in the NLF and was killed whilst allegedly trying to escape from prison. Hodeidah. In 1970 and 1971 there was a palpable atmosphere of fear over unresolved disputes ­The US is set to resume humanitarian within the NF and armed incursions from North Yemen of Saudi­backed opponents of assistance to areas controlled by the the regime. South Yemeni leaders later acknowledged that these were “the difficult Houthis according to a notification from the Biden administration to aid days”. It meant that ordinary people were discouraged from meeting foreign groups. diplomats. Mar 13: A “sound plan” for a One highly visible sign of change was the large Soviet Embassy and the East nationwide ceasefire in Yemen has German embassy close to where I lived in Khormaksar. The expatriate British been before Houthi leadership for “a community in Aden had been reduced to less than 50 people – plus about 200 number of days,” but it appears the working at the BP Refinery in Buraiqa about 20 minutes’ drive away. Russians, East group is prioritizing a military offensive Europeans and Cubans were numerous; there were no Americans or West Germans as to take Marib, the US special envoy on both had cut off diplomatic relations. Each evening around 20­30 people would Yemen, Tim Lenderking says. ­Oman’s foreign minister and the UN emerge from the Chinese embassy trotting around the streets waving the “Little Red Secretary General discuss Book” of Mao Zedong and chanting his sayings, much to the entertainment and developments related to the Yemeni bewilderment of Adenis. All a remarkable transformation from the recent colonial crisis, efforts to stop the war and past. military operations. Whilst walking in Ma’ala one afternoon I was surprised to encounter a Soviet Mar 14: The Houthi militia’s official diplomat I had known in Kuwait. He explained that he had been sent by the Soviet spokesman attempts to retract the Communist Party to set up a school to train NF cadres in Marxist­Leninism. Moscow group’s implicit rejection of a recent US had been impressed by the desire of the South Yemenis to build a socialist state but peace proposal by sharing a “clarification” Twitter post claiming was uncertain if they knew what they were doing or even whether they were Marxists. that “discussions” over the plan “were I later met a leading NF militant who told me he only discovered he was a Marxist still ongoing.” when he attended a NF conference in 1968 – he had joined the NLF to get rid of the ­ The Yemen government says Houthi Sultan of Lawdar. militias have opened new fronts and Like the Russian diplomat I was fascinated to see how the country’s leaders, mostly escalated their military aggression of my age, were transforming their country. Whilst walking in the cotton fields near against civilians in M'rib, Taiz and Zingibar I encountered Salim Rubayya Ali, the head of state, who was also alone and Hodeida. Twenty five ballistic missiles stopped for a friendly chat. Among other leaders I met were Ali Salim al­Beidh, then were fired at Marib governorate in one month, causing hundreds of deaths and foreign minister, and Ali Nasser Muhammad (Minister of Defence and then Prime injuries to civilians. Minister). Al­Beidh treated me coldly until I gave him the news that the British ­ Yemeni journalist Adel Al­Hasani is government had agreed to pay pensions to South Yemenis who had worked for the released after a nearly six­month previous administration. I got a warm handshake on departure as it relieved the PRSY imprisonment by the Southern of the considerable financial burden of meeting the costs. Transitional Council. America asked Ali Nasser was very friendly and charming, though he disconcertingly asked if I the UAE to use its good offers to secure had been in Aden before 1967 as he was sure there was a photo of me on the NLF the release. Page 8 South Yemen Update Issue 9 — 16th February ­ 15th March 2021

target lists. At later meetings he always said that he was glad Southern leaders wanted it to be on the basis of a socialist to see I was alive and well. system in both parts (“shatrayn”) of Yemen. Within a year My most memorable encounters were with Abdullah Ba­ after my departure North and South had fought a brief war Dhib, the Minister of Education and leader of Aden’s small and signed a unity agreement that was not implemented. Communist party. He had a wonderful intellect, was deeply In 1971 the Indian ambassador invited the Indian test cultured and was happy to engage in debate about almost team (A) to visit Aden on its way to a tour of East Africa, and any topic. he asked if I would captain and help recruit a PDYR eleven British diplomats required permission to travel outside to play India. We managed to find enough people to provide Aden – always given but after the date of travel had passed! a team. We lost but I can proudly claim to have played When the ambassador and I “discreetly” visited Dhala we international cricket for South Yemen. were “arrested” by the police chief who claimed we were planning to help the former Amir to escape from gaol. Instead of taking us to a police station, he invited us to chew qat with him at his house where he revealed he was from Sheffield and had returned to help his newly independent South Yemeni homeland. Later we were taken on a memorable visit to Socotra by the PDRY government and the Soviet ambassador to look for the Russian military base which the world’s media reported was on the island – we were not able to find the base, but it was a great opportunity to see that extraordinary island. Despite all the initial difficulties Southerners did eventually build a strong state, replacing the unworkable federation that the British had hoped to leave. Ali Nasser later explained that he and other leaders quickly realized that the best inheritance was the administrative system designed for the Federation of South Arabia. It enabled the inexperienced NF to impose control over the whole country. Within a few years, the PDRY delivered a good level of government services, reduced unemployment, built roads, schools and hospitals, gave better rights to women than any other Arab regime (apart from Tunisia), and was largely incorrupt. Throughout my time in Aden leaders of both North and South Yemen loudly and constantly spoke of their ambition to unite the two states. I was able to visit the Yemen Arab Republic in 1970 and 1971 just as it was recovering from the Britain’s Departure from Aden and South Arabia: Without civil war of the 1960s. It seemed decades behind the PRSY/ Glory but Without Disaster (Middle Eastern Studies) PDRY and unification seemed unachievable. It was clear in by Noel Brehony (Editor), Clive Jones (Editor) my everyday interaction with the Southern government that Hardcover – 31 July 2020. they wanted to focus their energies on building a strong and Noel Brehony is also author of Yemen Divided: The Story stable state in the South, and if unity was ever to be achieved of a Failed State in South Arabia; I.B.Tauris, London, 2013.

FOSY Chairman interviewed by A Passage to Justice: Selected Yemeni Civil Jeremy Vine on BBC 2 Society Views for Transitional Justice and Long­Term Accountability in Yemen Jeremy Vine: What did you make of last night’s report [about Britain cutting aid to Yemen] This is a report commissioned by the Open Society Abdul Galil Shaif: I think is disappointing. It is extremely Foundations as part of a project about options for long­term disappointing that we are one of the richest countries in the world accountability in Yemen. and we are a trading nation and we need to have peace and The Open Society Foundations’ support to Yemeni stability. To do that we need to support Yemen to bring back the partner organizations has grown out of the work done on legitimate government and to end the war. In that way we can U.S. counter­terrorism operations. With the outbreak of continue with our trading opportunities through the Straits of armed conflict in Yemen in 2014, Open Society expanded its Hormuz and the sea. I think it is appalling that the government support for the documentation of the conduct of the has cut aid to Yemen. different parties to the armed conflict in Yemen. The JV: The confusing thing is that it was rebels who threw out the Foundations’ support also encompassed enabling Yemeni government which was a UN recognized government and it is civil society organizations (CSO) to carry out high­level Saudi Arabia that is going in to try and restore the government. As advocacy efforts. far as that is concerned I am guessing that you think restoring the In addition to the contributions that Yemeni civil society government is the right thing to do. can make through their documentation work to reducing AGS: Yes I do. I think restoring the elected government of Yemen civilian harm and increase compliance with international is the right thing to do. The Houthis have committed a political humanitarian law (IHL), Open Society believes that Yemeni crime by thinking they have a divine right to rule Yemen by taking CSOs can also play an essential role supporting the over the capital Sanaa and overthrowing the government. So the transitional justice process and efforts to develop a political aspect needs to be fixed. Britain is the global pen holder. comprehensive and a long­term vision for accountability in We are the ones in the United Nations leading the diplomatic Yemen. efforts to end the war. We are not going a good job on this because Click here to view the report’s webpage. six years later the war continues to ravage Yemen.