'Very challenging: Lack of stability, security' in Yemen amid decade-long civil war • FRANCE 24

Yemen Situation Update: Political Fracture & Humanitarian Crisis

Key Concepts:

• Southern Transitional Council (STC): A separatist movement in Yemen seeking independence for South Yemen, led by Aidarous al-Zubaidi.
• Houthi Movement: An armed group controlling much of northern Yemen, engaged in conflict with the Saudi-led coalition and the Yemeni government.
• Yemen Presidential Council: A body formed to represent anti-Houthi forces, increasingly fractured by internal divisions.
• Mead: A French and international medical humanitarian NGO operating in Yemen.
• Humanitarian Access: The ability of aid organizations to reach populations in need, significantly hampered by conflict and instability.
• Funding Gap: A decrease in international financial aid allocated to Yemen, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

1. Political Developments & Separatist Movement

The Saudi-led coalition reported that Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), departed Yemen for Somaliland by boat and subsequently flew to Mogadishu on an aircraft reportedly under the supervision of United Arab Emirates (UAE) military officers. This occurred despite Zubaidi being scheduled to attend peace talks in Riyadh aimed at resolving tensions between the STC and other factions within the anti-Houthi Yemen Presidential Council. The STC’s recent seizure of two governance facilities in the south, previously held by Saudi-backed forces, triggered Saudi airstrikes and deepened the rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which supports the STC. This highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play within the conflict.

2. Operational Challenges for Humanitarian Organizations (Mead NGO Perspective)

Kazali Babikir, Head of Mission for Mead, detailed the significant challenges faced by humanitarian organizations operating in Yemen. While Mead focuses on medical assistance, the political instability directly impacts their work. Specifically:

• Security Concerns: Staff are frequently asked to work from home due to the unpredictable security situation. A general atmosphere of suspicion prevails.
• Access Restrictions: Movement is severely restricted, particularly in governorates like Abian, Hadramaut, Mahar, and Adal. Accessing vulnerable populations is becoming increasingly difficult.
• Funding Shortfalls: Decreasing international funding is a major obstacle. This has led to the closure of other health facilities, increasing the burden on Mead’s supported facility in Louder Hospital, Abian governorate.
• Increased Patient Load: Due to facility closures elsewhere, Mead’s catchment area has expanded from 150,000 to over half a million people, straining resources.

3. The Fractured Yemen Presidential Council & Regional Dynamics

The Yemen Presidential Council, comprised of eight groups, is experiencing increasing fragmentation. The conflict isn’t solely between the Houthis in the north and the internationally recognized government; significant divisions exist within the anti-Houthi camp, particularly in the south. The UAE’s support for the STC, as evidenced by the reported assistance with Zubaidi’s departure, demonstrates a diverging agenda from Saudi Arabia’s efforts to maintain a unified front against the Houthis.

4. The Worsening Humanitarian Crisis & Funding Decline

Babikir emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, exacerbated by over a decade of war. He noted a significant decrease in funding allocated to Yemen in 2024 and 2025, contributing to the closure of health facilities and increased strain on remaining organizations like Mead. He stated, “We do see like uh if you look at the fund uh that is uh coming to Yemen in 2024 uh and 2025 you can see definitely the difference there is a rapid decrease uh and uh and and short of uh funding.” This funding gap is forcing organizations to cover larger populations with fewer resources.

5. Yemen’s “Forgotten” Crisis

Babikir explicitly stated that Yemen is being “forgotten” in the shadow of other global conflicts, such as the war in Sudan and previously, Ukraine. He explained that the reduced funding is a symptom of this diminished international attention. He observed that this pattern is consistent across various NGOs and humanitarian actors operating in Yemen, indicating a systemic issue.

6. Technical Terms & Concepts:

• NGO (Non-Governmental Organization): A non-profit, voluntary citizens' group organized on a local, national or international level to address issues in supporting the public good.
• Humanitarian Aid: Assistance provided to people in distress, typically involving food, shelter, medical care, and other essential supplies.
• Catchment Area: The geographical area served by a particular health facility or organization.
• Somaliland: A self-declared state in the Horn of Africa, internationally recognized as part of Somalia.

Logical Connections:

The transcript establishes a clear connection between political instability and the worsening humanitarian situation. The fracturing of the Presidential Council and the actions of the STC create a volatile environment that hinders humanitarian access. The resulting funding decline further exacerbates the crisis, leading to reduced services and increased suffering for the Yemeni population.

Data & Statistics:

• Mead’s catchment area increased from 150,000 to over 500,000 people due to facility closures.
• A “rapid decrease” in funding for Yemen is observed between 2024 and 2025.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The situation in Yemen remains deeply precarious. Political divisions, particularly the growing rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE regarding the STC, are undermining efforts to achieve peace and stability. The resulting humanitarian crisis is being compounded by a significant decline in international funding, leaving aid organizations struggling to meet the needs of a rapidly growing vulnerable population. Yemen is facing a critical situation and requires renewed international attention and support to prevent further deterioration.