The Arab world's proliferation of militias is closely tied to the state's inability to perform its functions, with Yemen being a prime example. The country's late president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, fought six wars against the Houthis between 2004 and 2010. However, after his regime fell, he formed an alliance with the Houthis, enabling them to control vital centers of the Yemeni state. This has led to one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes in recent years, with the capital controlled by an armed group lacking international recognition as Yemen's legitimate government.
Saleh's 33-year rule was marked by corruption, with Yemen consistently ranking low in international transparency rankings. In 2010, Yemen ranked 146th out of 178 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. Instead of focusing on national development, Saleh prioritized securing loyalty through family, tribal, and military alliances. His era was characterized by corruption, and he failed to address chronic issues such as sectarianism, tribalism, and regional divisions.
The consequences of Saleh's rule are evident in Yemen's current humanitarian crisis. The country faces acute food insecurity, with over half of the population affected, according to United Nations reports. The Houthi authorities, who control large areas of the country, have been accused of mobilizing revenues and resources for military purposes. Saleh's alliance with the Houthis ultimately led to his downfall, as he was killed by the movement in 2017 after their alliance collapsed.
Saleh's life and rise to power were marked by his military career. He began as a shepherd, received limited formal education, and joined the army as a teenager. He rose through the ranks during the 1960s and 1970s and eventually became president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. His system of governance was characterized by manipulation of societal divisions and consolidation of control amid poverty and ignorance.
The Houthis, who have controlled large areas of Yemen since 2014, seem to be following a similar path to Saleh. They propagate an ideological discourse and prioritize military strength over addressing the country's humanitarian needs. International reports have repeatedly raised concerns about the Houthi authorities' handling of humanitarian aid and their mobilization of resources for military purposes.
Saleh's legacy in Yemen is complex, with some viewing him as a unifying figure who preserved the country's unity during the 1994 civil war. However, his failure to address chronic issues and prioritize national development has had lasting consequences. His alliance with the Houthis has contributed to the country's instability, and his death has not brought an end to the humanitarian crisis.
As Yemen continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the international community remains engaged with the Houthi authorities, despite their lack of legitimacy. The US has held talks with the Houthis, securing undertakings concerning American vessels, but no one grants them legitimacy. The situation in Yemen serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by countries in the Arab world, where militias often fill the power vacuum left by weak or absent state authority.
Key points
- Ali Abdullah Saleh's 33-year rule was marked by corruption and a failure to address chronic issues in Yemen.
- The Houthi authorities have been accused of mobilizing revenues and resources for military purposes, exacerbating Yemen's humanitarian crisis.
- Saleh's alliance with the Houthis ultimately led to his downfall and has contributed to Yemen's ongoing instability.
