Yemen: Activists plan to protest in Aden Dec. 4

Event

Activists plan to protest in Aden Dec. 4. The purpose of the action is to denounce deteriorating living conditions in the city, as well as the depreciation of the local currency.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional security personnel to monitor the protests. Localized transport disruptions are likely near any gatherings that may materialize. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Southern Yemen has long been afflicted by frequent power, water, and fuel shortages; however, a long-term depreciation of the Yemeni riyal in government-held areas has led to rising inflation and worsening social discontent. The basic drivers of the crisis in the south include a population largely dependent on foreign aid, subsidized basic commodities such as fuel, a near-total reliance on imported goods, the existence of two rival economic systems, uncontrolled inflation, and a foreign exchange crisis. The UN estimates over 80 percent of Yemen’s population of 28 million is reliant on some form of humanitarian assistance. Widespread underdevelopment, in addition to the large-scale destruction of infrastructure as a result of the country’s seven-year civil war, has only exacerbated the south’s socio-economic crisis.

Advice

Avoid all protests due to the possibility of clashes. Monitor local media for details concerning protest activity; organizers may not announce plans in advance. Do not attempt to bypass roadblocks; wait for local authorities to remove them. Follow police instructions. Avoid travel at night.