The ongoing conflict in Yemen is one of the most pressing global issues today. The feud between Saudi-backed government forces and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels has led to an unstable political climate, prompting concerns at both global and regional levels. Recently, a noteworthy development occurred as the warring sides agreed to swap hundreds of prisoners. This move has sparked hopes for a long-lasting ceasefire.
Origins of the Yemen Civil War
The civil war in Yemen can trace its roots back to 2011 when authoritarian President Ali Abdullah Saleh was ousted from power. His successor, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, found it challenging to stabilize the country due to existing economic and security problems. Capitalizing on this, the Houthis, a Zaidi Shia Muslim minority group, took control of northern Yemen and the capital, Sana’a, in 2014. This strategic move alarmed Saudi Arabia, sparking fears that the Houthis would form an alliance with its rival, Iran. In response, Saudi Arabia formed a coalition with other Arab countries and sent troops to Yemen in 2015. Despite their efforts, they were unable to reclaim control over the Houthi-dominated territories.
The Stockholm Agreement: A Key To Peace
A significant step towards peace occurred in December 2018 when the warring factions signed the Stockholm Agreement. Brokered by the United Nations, it committed the parties to freeing conflict-related detainees. The agreement consists of three key components: the Hudayah agreement, the Prisoner Exchange Agreement, and the Taiz agreement. These measures aim to minimize conflicts, strengthen UN presence, repatriate all persons deprived of liberty, and form joint committees to facilitate peace talks.
The Impact of War on Yemen
The war in Yemen has triggered a profound humanitarian crisis. The United Nations reports that 80% of the population now relies on aid and protection. Many critical public service sectors, such as healthcare, sanitation, and education, have either collapsed or are in dire conditions due to the conflict. The country’s economy has suffered significant losses, with over 600,000 people losing their jobs and more than half of the population living in extreme poverty.
Global and Regional Concerns: Yemen Crisis Impact
Yemen’s strategic location near the strait linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden makes it crucial for global oil shipments. This raises apprehension about how the conflict could affect global oil prices. Furthermore, Yemen is a haven for groups like al-Qaeda and IS affiliates, posing a severe threat to global security. For India, Yemen is a key source of crude oil, and any disturbance in the oil supply chain could impact India’s energy security significantly. India also houses a sizable expat community in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, thus bearing a responsibility to ensure their safety and manage the impact of any disruption to remittances.
India’s Initiatives in Yemen Crisis
India has taken several initiatives to address the Yemen crisis. Among the significant efforts was Operation Rahat, an extensive air and sea operation responsible for evacuating over 4000 Indian nationals from Yemen in April 2015. Besides evacuation, India has also offered humanitarian assistance by providing food and medical aid. Further, it has facilitated the education of a large number of Yemeni nationals in various Indian institutions. Despite the ongoing challenges, these actions reflect India’s commitment to providing support amid the crisis.