Over the past years, Houthi militias have exploited international humanitarian organizations and turned most food and medical aid into fuel harnessed to prolong their war efforts and polish the coup’s image among the population.
The above claim isn’t baseless but anchored in countless reports and cries of agony wept by hungered Yemenis.
Statements made by locals, activists and staff members of relief organizations to Asharq al-Awsat support that millions of Yemenis are being denied their right to food, medicine and public services.
Activists confirm that intelligence services of Sanaa-based militias are the de facto decision-maker when it comes to the distribution of humanitarian aid and its delivery.
Houthis reign supreme over granting permits to international organizations operating in Yemen.
Not only does the Iran-backed militia outline operations and draw guidelines for international humanitarian relief in Yemen, but also goes as far as arresting any aid worker which strays from Houthi-approved tasks.
Observers estimate that Houthi militias have reaped hundreds of millions of dollars in various humanitarian aid over the last three years.
The coup’s upper hand over relief work in Yemen pumped food aid and medical supplies into its grip. In areas under their control, Houthi militias were not shy in exploiting deteriorating living conditions to lure in international funds and investments that they later will seize for their war effort.
“For the fourth year since the Houthi takeover, I have not seen a humanitarian organization knock at our door, such is the case with most government employees who struggle with cut salaries and a shortage in opportunity,” says an official at the justice ministry in Sanaa under the condition of anonymity.
“We hear the news about incoming aid, but do not receive any help.”
Another Sanaa school teacher, Anisa. H., sites her family’s suffering and lack of living necessities, saying they never obtained any relief support, despite their urgent need.
Refusing to reveal her name, the school teacher gave details on the brutality of living under Houthi oppression, and saying that her family faces an unknown fate now that their savings are exhausted with no income to rely on.
“We have spent all our savings to cover food, water and essential needs,” she said.
With that being said, one question shines brighter than any other: Where is all the humanitarian relief going?
International organizations operating in Yemen have been able to deliver some support to crushed groups or, as their officials label them “needy groups,” and have managed to contain pandemics.
However, when reviewing testimonies of those in need it is clear that most aid has fallen in the possession of close-handed militias.
It is worth noting that in 2015, a United Nations report had said 15.2 million people were in need of health care.
It is baffling that statistics published by the World Health Organization on Yemenis in need of health care reached 16.4 million people over the next three years, depicting a slight increase, tweeted King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center spokesman Dr. Samer al-Jatili.
Puzzled, experts put forth to possibilities. On one hand it could be that agencies are issuing inaccurate reports because of their inability to set foothold in all Yemeni areas.
On the second hand, it could be that relief staffers are harassed by militias in coup strongholds, making figures vulnerable to inaccuracy.
More so, speculations also suggest that real aid and services are not going in the right direction, stamping accusations by the internationally-recognized government on insurgents exploiting relief as valid.
