As Ramadan concluded, celebrations for Eid commenced in Cairo, Egypt. Among the celebrants were Yemenis who gathered on a traditional Nile felucca, escaping the ongoing turmoil in Yemen. This gathering represents a portion of the approximately 600,000 Yemeni citizens now residing in Cairo, a significant increase from the 70,000 recorded before the war in Yemen began in March 2015.
During the festivities, local businessmen reflected on the war’s impact on those remaining in Yemen. The conflict, initiated by a Saudi-led coalition’s airstrikes against the Houthi militia known as Ansar Allah, has resulted in over 230,000 deaths due to violence, hunger, and inadequate medical care. The United Nations indicates that nearly half of Yemen’s 40 million inhabitants require urgent humanitarian assistance, with the economy severely affected by hyperinflation and a fragmented currency system.
High flight costs have emerged as a significant concern, with Yemenia Airlines identified as one of the most expensive airlines globally, largely due to the lack of competition stemming from the ongoing conflict. The current state of travel within Yemen has made previously short trips perilous, extending travel times significantly. There is a strong desire among many for an end to the conflict and a restoration of national unity.
The conflict has deeply divided Yemen, historically a center of trade and culture. Yemen has often faced division, characterized by a Marxist-Leninist south and a Zaydi Shi’a north prior to unification in 1990. The current conflict began in 2014 when the Houthis took control, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention intended to restore the transitional government. The years since have seen extensive fighting, including the deployment of landmines by the Houthis and numerous airstrikes by the coalition.
In the midst of this devastation, the Houthis have retained control by capitalizing on historical grievances. The group is accused of various human rights violations, such as the recruitment of child soldiers and the establishment of a female morality police force, which enforces its rules through violence.
A fragile ceasefire in 2022 provided a temporary respite from hostilities, but tensions escalated again in November 2023 when the Houthis attacked commercial shipping in response to Israeli actions in Gaza. This led to a US-led coalition conducting airstrikes in Yemen, heightening the risk of violence for civilians.
Despite these challenges, some Yemenis maintain a sense of hope for the future. The aspirations for peace and unity persist strongly among the Yemeni community in Cairo as they celebrate Eid, reflecting a collective yearning for resolution amid ongoing difficulties.
Understanding the Impact
The fragile ceasefire and recent escalation in hostilities underscore the ongoing volatility in the region, impacting regional security and international diplomatic efforts.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has led to a significant increase in the Yemeni diaspora, with many seeking refuge in countries like Egypt, impacting local communities and economies.
Hyperinflation and economic instability in Yemen have resulted in skyrocketing prices for basic goods, affecting the daily lives of millions and increasing reliance on humanitarian aid.
The war has disrupted travel and transportation within Yemen, complicating access to essential services and separating families across the country.
Human rights abuses by the Houthi militia, including the recruitment of child soldiers, have raised international concerns and highlight the need for increased protection and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
