Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
The Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen held a meeting in Aden today with a group of activists and civil society representatives from Al-Dhalea, as part of its ongoing political dialogue. The meeting focused on discussing the political challenges, security issues, and economic concerns facing Yemenis in general, and Al-Dhalea in particular, due to the protracted conflict.
Participants emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue that genuinely represents the diverse viewpoints of Yemenis, including addressing the Southern issue. They also called for stronger representation of women, youth, and civil society in the political process to better address the grievances of Yemenis and avoid the risk of half-measures that lead to further rounds of conflict.
The frequent security incidents and subsequent civilian casualties in Al-Dhalea were a major concern highlighted during the discussions related to the security track.
Participants discussed the impact of the deteriorating security situation and how it hinders their ability to provide a decent life for themselves and their families, while also impeding economic recovery opportunities due to renewed conflict.
On the economic front, the dialogue highlighted the severe challenges posed by inflation, lack of income, unemployment, and the fragmentation of the national currency, which has had a particularly severe impact on Al-Dhalea.
Participants called for improved governance and accountability to mitigate economic instability and the need for fair distribution of resources and de-politicization of the economy by all parties. They stressed the importance of sustainable development as an approach to empowering local communities.
