Yemen: despite the coronavirus, khat is still as popular

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In Yemen, no confinement for khat lovers. The consumption of these small green leaves with euphoric effects is part of the daily life of Yemenis. So to get them, they are ready for anything and are more concerned about the quality of the goods than the various precautionary measures against the coronavirus.

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Sanaa, capital of Yemen and its khat market: coronavirus or not, this souk remains crowded. No masks and barely a few inches between clients. Imagine closing it? Unacceptable for "  98% of Yemenis,  " says Ali Al Zubairi. Not a day goes by without this man, questioned by AFP, going to the khat market in Sanaa.

Not a drug according to the WHO, but not a harmless product either

Admittedly, Yemen is very little affected by the coronavirus, but several other epidemics - cholera, dengue and diarrhea - have raged for years in this country, the poorest of the Arabian peninsula. War ravaged for five years, Yemen is facing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world according to the United Nations. Water shortages are common. The country lacks everything. But there is no question of taking away from the Yemenis their khat .

► Read also: Coronavirus: Yemen faces a new war

According to the World Health Organization "  90% of adult men chew it three to four hours a day  ". Women and even children also consume it daily. WHO does not consider khat to be a "  seriously addictive drug  " but alert to its effects, including depression and psychosis.

► Read also:  Somaliland: khat, people's opium

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