Analysis of situation in each of the governorates of the former PDRY with a special emphasis on local security actors
This paper focuses on the origins, development, and prospects of political challenges in southern Yemen. It begins with an analysis of historical divisions in the south, outlining key issues within specific governorates – including the political fragmentation that has occurred since 2015, when the war in Yemen first gained an international dimension. The paper concludes by examining the significance of the Riyadh Agreement, as well as the implications for the south of current attempts to end the war. It argues that EU policymakers need to address the diverse, complex problems facing southern Yemen if they are to create a sustainable solution to the conflict – and makes several recommendations for how they could achieve this. The EU should continue to support development and statebuilding in Yemen, and should increase its efforts to mediate between southerners, as well as between southerners and northerners. This would promote cooperation and coexistence, encouraging the development of institutional and democratic platforms upon which southerners can achieve self-determination.
Other resources you may be interested in:
Local Service Provision During War: A Case Study of Yemen
This journal article analyzes how conflict has shaped local service delivery across five Yemeni governorates and shows how governance capacity, political stability, resources, and external support, in particular humanitarian aid, effect outcomes. By analyzing how these elements shape local governance capacities, the paper highlights the disparities in service delivery and the challenges faced by local […]
Strengthening Institutional and Economic Resilience in Yemen (SIERY) – Final Evaluation Report.
This final project evaluation assesses the UNDP SIERY project’s performance from 2020–2025 in strengthening local governance, public service delivery, and economic resilience across nine governorates in Yemen. Given this project has been the largest project in terms of funding volume and geographical coverage supporting local governance in Yemen, it offers interesting insights in the opportunities […]
Pathways for Reconciliation – Impact of the Conflict on Social Cohesion and Reconciliation in Yemen
This report presents findings from consultations across seven Yemeni governorates on how conflict has affected social cohesion and reconciliation, and offers community-based recommendations for peacebuilding and local resilience. It inclues a discussion of trust within communities and with local authorities, providing a district-level breakdown of perceptions.
