Amid chaos, southern Yemen dreams of regaining independence • FRANCE 24 English

Yemen: A Country Divided - Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• Houthi Movement: An armed group, primarily based in northern Yemen, backed by Iran, that seized control of Sanaa in 2014.
• Southern Transitional Council (STC): A separatist movement in southern Yemen, supported by the UAE, seeking independence.
• Saudi-led Coalition: A military alliance led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE intervening in Yemen since 2015 against the Houthis.
• Humanitarian Crisis: A severe food shortage, economic collapse, and displacement crisis affecting a large portion of the Yemeni population.
• Secession: The act of formally withdrawing from membership of a federation or body, especially a political state.
• Malnutrition: The condition that results from taking an inadequate quantity of food in relation to metabolic demands.

1. The Context of Conflict and Crisis

Yemen is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with the UN reporting over 20 million people – half the population – experiencing severe food shortages and tens of thousands facing famine. This situation is directly linked to a protracted and complex conflict that began in 2014, following the theoretical unification of the two Yemen states 25 years prior. The conflict is multi-faceted, involving a war against the Iran-backed Houthi movement in the north and a resurgence of separatist desires in the south.

Following the Houthi takeover of Sanaa and Aden, a Saudi Arabia and UAE-led coalition launched extensive bombing campaigns to push back the Houthis, resulting in the displacement of 4.6 million people. Currently, Yemen is effectively divided: the Houthis control large areas in the north, including Sanaa, while the south is under the control of the internationally recognized government, supported by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Aden has served as Yemen’s temporary capital for the past decade, but even this relative stability is threatened by internal divisions within southern forces.

2. The Fracturing of the South and Rise of the STC

Recent events demonstrate a fracturing within the southern forces. The Southern Transitional Council (STC), formed in 2017 with UAE support, initially allied with the Saudi-backed government against the Houthis. However, in mid-December, the STC launched offensives to seize oil-rich areas in eastern Yemen. This action was met with resistance from Saudi Arabia, which responded with targeted strikes and deployed forces to regain control of Aden. The city now features competing checkpoints operated by both sides, creating a confusing and tense environment.

Residents express strong desires for southern independence, stating, “The people of the south must reclaim their state, reclaim their maritime resources and their oil. It's over. We don't want the Saudis anymore.” Saudi Arabia opposes secession, aiming to maintain a unified Yemen to prevent the erosion of its regional influence. This southern rift is exacerbating the country’s instability and increasing the risk to civilians.

3. Economic Collapse and Humanitarian Suffering

The war has triggered a profound economic crisis in Yemen. The economy is crippled by shortages of essential goods like fuel and electricity. The report highlights the struggles of truck drivers waiting days for fuel, impacting their livelihoods and exacerbating the crisis. A dire employment situation sees barely a third of the working-age population employed. Public services, including schools and hospitals, are on the verge of collapse after over a decade of war and the absence of a functioning state.

4. The Crisis Within Healthcare: Aton Saddaka Public Hospital

Aton Saddaka Public Hospital, a vital facility for mothers and children, exemplifies the healthcare crisis. Dr. Maha Abdwah, a physician with 35 years of experience, treats children suffering from severe malnutrition. She describes a two-month-old patient suffering from bronco pneumonia and gastroenteritis, whose brother recently died. The UN reports that nearly half of Yemeni children under five suffer from acute malnutrition, and 11 million people rely on humanitarian aid for survival.

Dr. Maha faces severe resource constraints, including a lack of equipment for even basic diagnostic procedures. She expresses deep sorrow and frustration at her inability to provide adequate care, even after decades of service. The hospital relies heavily on foreign donations, which have drastically decreased since the Trump administration cut US aid. The UN reports that less than 30% of the needed humanitarian aid for Yemen was funded last year.

5. The Plight of the Internally Displaced

Since 2015, 4.6 million Yemenis have been internally displaced due to the conflict. The report visits a camp on the outskirts of Aden, housing 180 families from Hadeda, a region controlled by the Houthis. Residents describe fleeing due to the war, fearing recruitment of children into armed groups and the destruction of their homes. Living conditions in the camp are harsh, with makeshift shelters providing little protection from the elements.

Osama, a former teacher, now volunteers to teach children in the camp after the camp’s only school closed due to lack of resources. He expresses a sense of hopelessness and marginalization, stating, “We were sacrificed. We're no longer treated like humans, but like animals that have been swept away.” Aid delivery to the camps is inconsistent, and many residents feel abandoned.

6. Perspectives on Unity and the Future of Yemen

The research center in Aiden’s Elmoa district suggests that a majority of southerners no longer believe in a united Yemen. The director highlights that the previous form of unity failed to benefit either the northern or southern populations, with benefits accruing primarily to influential tribal leaders and clans. The debate now centers on whether Yemen should be divided into two states or organized into federal regions.

7. A Glimpse of Resilience and Hope Amidst Despair

The report revisits Dr. Maha after her workday, finding her visiting her sister. Dr. Maha reflects on a past filled with hope and opportunity in a secular, open South Yemen before 1990. She recalls a trip to Italy in 2011, where she envisioned improvements for Yemeni hospitals, a hope that has since been shattered. Despite the devastation, she acknowledges Yemen’s unique charm and the enduring bonds between its people.

The report concludes with a scene of reconstruction in Aiden, showcasing projects funded by UNESCO and the EU. Mayor Mahmud Bengada, who laid down arms in 2015 to pursue reconstruction, emphasizes the importance of rebuilding and raising awareness. He recounts his own experience taking up arms against the Houthis and the subsequent decision to focus on construction. Dr. Maha, finding solace in knitting, embodies a quiet resilience, acknowledging the fragility of peace while recognizing the enduring connection to her homeland.

Notable Quotes:

• “The people of the south must reclaim their state, reclaim their maritime resources and their oil. It's over. We don't want the Saudis anymore.” – Yemeni Resident
• “We were sacrificed. We're no longer treated like humans, but like animals that have been swept away.” – Displaced Yemeni Teacher
• “I never think of my country to be like today. Never.” – Dr. Maha Abdwah

Technical Terms:

• Bronco Pneumonia: An inflammation of the bronchioles (small airways in the lungs).
• Gastroenterthritis: An inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing diarrhea and vomiting.
• Endoscoping: A medical procedure involving the insertion of a long, thin tube with a camera to visualize the inside of the body.
• Biopsy: The removal of a small tissue sample for examination.
• Secular Education: Education that is free from religious influence.

This summary aims to provide a detailed and specific account of the YouTube video transcript, preserving its language and technical precision. It highlights the complex interplay of political, economic, and humanitarian factors contributing to the ongoing crisis in Yemen.