Yemen: Additional protests likely in Ad-Dali' over the coming days after demonstrations Nov. 11

Event

Additional demonstrations are likely in Ad-Dali' over the coming days following a protest Nov. 11. Activists organized the demonstration to denounce a perceived decline in living standards in the city. There were no reports of violence.

Security forces will likely deploy to monitor any related demonstrations that materialize in the coming days. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions near any associated gatherings. Police may attempt to disperse demonstrators if they are deemed unruly, though significant acts of violence are unlikely.

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, 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.