Power and Borders - how has sovereignty been challenged in Yemen?

In what year was Yemen established?

1990, after the unification of North Yemen and South Yemen

Population of Yemen

29 million

Population density in Sanaa vs rest of the country

9324 people/km² vs 57 people/km²

GDP per capita in Yemen

$2285 (2019); 13% of the world’s average

What is Yemen’s HDI score?

0.424 (2022), ranking it 186th out of UN nations.

What was Yemen’s state fragility index ranking

101.06 (2024), ranking it 6th globally

Where have the rebel Houthis seized control of?

Significant portions of northern and western Yemen, including the capital, Sana'a.

Why have the Houthis seized control?

The recognised government was corrupt; it couldn’t deal with food insecurities, unemployment, poverty, and inequality in internal development.

What did the Saudi-led coalition do in 2015?

Intervened in Yemen's civil war, supporting the recognised government against the Houthis. They launched air strikes and ground operations in an attempt to restore the government and regain territory.

Why did Saudi actions create further sovereignty challenges to Yemen?

Did not comply with Article 42 of the UN charter: the consequent damage and loss-of-life inflicted on the citizens is against humanitarian international law.

Where are secessionist movements occurring in Yemen for anti-Houthi groups?

In the southern regions, particularly Aden.

What terrorist activity has occurred amongst the chaos of the Houthi civil war?

Al Qaeda attacks on US military personnel in Aden and the US embassy in Sanaa, and Islamic state attacks on Shi’a mosques in Sanaa.

How many citizens have died or been injured in the conflict between government forces and Houthi rebels?

17,700

What percentage of Yemen’s population require humanitarian assistance or protection?

80% (22 million)

How many are food insecure and at risk of starvation?

20 million are food insecure; 8.4 million are at risk of starvation.

How many people have inadequate access to healthcare?

17.8 million (OCHA). There has been a major cholera outbreak due to poor sanitation and a lack of treatment centres.

How many internally displaced people (IDPs) are there in Yemen?

Estimated 4.5 million, most living in established camps.

What industries have been most impacted by civil war fighting?

Agriculture and services - once comprising 20% and 68% respectively of GDP annually.

How many children have no access to education?

5 million

Why has the distribution of food and medicines (provided under the UN’s World Food Programme) been disrupted?

Due to a lack of co-operation between Houthi militants and various aid agencies. This has given rise to malnutrition.

What happened in Marib?

UN reports of Houthi attacks on a government hospital has severely limited medical supplies for 15,000 people, including vulnerable IDPs.

What has happened in Al-Hudayah?

Al-Hudayah is the main entry port for aid coming into Yemen. Air strikes by Saudi-backed government forces on the Houthi rebels has impeded the delivery of aid.