Houthi rebels playing with lives of the hungry
The World Food Programme has accused the Houthi rebels of pilfering food from distribution areas, and selling the rations in the open market and also giving it to people who are not entitled to it. WFP’s observations do not surprise us; it merely confirms the fears of the Saudi-backed coalition that knows that the Houthis cannot be trusted — even if the rebel group has signed pledges of cooperation on the global stage. Since ousting the legitimate Yemeni government in 2015, the Houthis have been tightening their grip on the people though fear and intimidation. They are no Robin Hoods but thieves who fatten themselves on misery. The Houthis came to power with the intention of fighting against leaders who use public office to amass personal fortunes. But in reality, they are doing just the same. Their hunger for power cares little for governance, or welfare of the people.
The areas under their control are in dire danger as death and decay is prevalent. Millions are dying of hunger, and civil servants are not being paid. Dissent is not tolerated. And lawyers, journalists, activists, who dare speak up for the rights of people are put in detention. Common Yemenis are on the verge of starvation even as the Houthi leaders live a life of luxury and profligacy. United Nations estimates suggest that thousands of Yemenis have died over the last few years from preventable causes, including malnutrition, disease and poor health.
Countries are coming forward to help and provide aid. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have pledged billions, and so has the United States. This year more aid and assistance are expected to flow into the country. The WFP is also spending millions, but what’s worrying is that food is not even reaching half the population. Around 15.9 million people wake up hungry every day in the country. In the absence of the food assistance programme this number could rise to about 20 million. Yemen has the highest rate of child malnutrition in the world. It is, therefore, critical that food supplies reach the people it is intended for. But we need checks in place to ensure it feeds the right mouths. Supervision by the UN or neutral countries might help. We cannot and should not fail the people of Yemen.
We need more checks in place to ensure it reaches the right hands.