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Five years ago, Houthi rebels took control of Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. Since then, the conflict in the country has been influenced by various foreign actors including Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The inhabitants of the capital live trapped in the midst of this war with international dimensions.
Despite long years of war , Shamsan tells of a volunteer population trying to survive and make their voices heard over the sound of bombing.
" There are many community initiatives, particularly by young people. They try to solve everyday problems, clear streets, distribute help, food or medicine. They are trying to raise money to help families. But these initiatives practically no longer exist because the Houthi authorities have ended by imposing permits, " says the Yemeni researcher based in Sanaa.
" We demand the lifting of the economic blockade "
Displacements have become extremely complicated with the multiplication of checkpoints held by different militias. Beyond the most obvious obstacles, the collapse of the country's economy is also at the heart of Yemeni suffering, according to Shams Shamsan.
" In Sanaa, the officials are no longer paid. The economic collapse destroyed the Yemenis. Because it means that the war is knocking at every door. It's no longer just planes bombarding us, but they take everything we have, the salary that feeds our family. It means hunger, it changes the domestic dynamics and it gives rise to more violence in society. What we are asking for above all is the lifting of the blockade, the economic blockade on Yemen. "
The blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia is supposed to prevent the arming of Houthi rebels. Shams Shamsan and his fellow researchers at the Sanaa Center denounce a shortage of food, lack of daily life, while weapons, they are only increasing.
Women even have a military role ...
Shamsan Shamsan: "The voice of women in the work for peace" 20/09/2019 - by Oriane Verdier Listen
■ The coveted Hadramout, the oil region
Mohammed al-Khateri comes from the Hadramout region, 35% of Yemeni territory in the east of the country. This is where the vast majority of the country's oil and gas comes from. It is also an area coveted by terrorist groups.
" Between 2015 and 2016, the people of Hadramaout managed to drive out al-Qaeda and Daesh jihadists, including the port city of Mukalla, with the help of the Arab coalition. But they have not received enough help and continue to be neglected . "
In recent years, the Arab coalition has mainly focused on its fight the Houthi rebels. Mohammed al-Khaetri recounts a population abandoned to the greatest poverty, yet based on the fortune of Yemen. Easy prey for terrorist organizations.
" Today al-Qaeda and Daesh are enjoying a kind of rest. They are in the mountains watching what happens and they are planning for the future. What scares me is that if the state eventually collapses or if the UAE and Saudi forces start suddenly, the void will be filled by al Qaeda and Daesh. Me, I know that I will be buried, but you, the Westerners will also be impacted by the rise in the price of oil and even your cups of coffees will cost 50 euros. "
In addition to being rich in oil, the Hadramout governorate is in fact connected to the Gulf of Aden, a crossing point for international maritime trade.