After a decade of Houthi rule in Yemen’s ancient capital, Sanaa, the city bears the scars of a floundering economy and increasing restrictions on personal freedoms. Some residents quietly yearn for the days before the Houthi takeover.
The Houthis, a radical political-military group from Yemen’s northern mountains, have imposed strict control over a significant portion of Yemen’s population since 2014. Many residents feel that the country has regressed significantly since the rebels seized power.
Yemen, already the poorest country in the Arabian Peninsula, has been devastated by war since 2015 when a Saudi-led coalition attempted to remove the Houthis from power. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
Under Houthi rule, daily life in Sanaa has become more restricted and conservative. Men and women are segregated in public spaces, and dissent against the ruling authorities is met with harsh consequences. The rebels have tightened their grip on various aspects of society, using propaganda and control tactics to maintain power.
Despite the challenges, some Yemenis remain hopeful for change and long for a return to the way things were before the Houthi rule. The ongoing conflict and political turmoil have forced many to flee their homes in search of safety and stability.
While support for the Houthis remains strong in some areas, the recent attacks on Israel and ships in the Red Sea have complicated efforts to negotiate an end to the war. Many Yemenis, both inside the country and abroad, dream of a better future and strive to hold onto their cultural identity amidst the turmoil.
Published – September 21, 2024 10:20 am IST
