Political violence in Yemen reached its lowest point in April, according to a global conflict monitoring organization. The organization attributed the decline to the diplomatic efforts of Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well as a gathering of mediators with the Houthi leadership in Sanaa.
According to a report prepared by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the decrease in violence is anticipated to persist throughout May.
Last month, political violence in Yemen dropped by 30% compared to the month prior, reaching the lowest level since the beginning of the war.
This steep decrease coincided with a five-day Saudi and Omani delegation visit led by the Saudi Ambassador to Yemen to the capital city of Sanaa, amidst Oman-brokered peace negotiations.
Although no deal was announced following the visit, signs of detente materialized in the following days with the second-largest exchange of detainees between the conflict parties.
Ongoing negotiations center on a reopening of Yemen’s ports and airports, the payment of civil servants’ salaries in Houthi-controlled areas, direct talks between the Houthis and the internationally recognized Yemeni government, and a two-year political transition.
According to ACLED’s CAST predictions, the decline in violence associated with the peace negotiations is likely to continue in May 2023.
In other news, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has issued a warning regarding new floods in Yemen.
Heavy rainfall is expected to hit nine provinces during the upcoming week, according to the organization.
The expected floods are especially likely to affect over 5,000 people in Wadi Zabid, over 2,000 in Siham, and in Mour, over 1,000 in Tuban, and in the north part of Wadi Harad, over 800 in Rimah, and in Banna, and about 700 in Sordud.
Avoiding exposure to the hazard and implementation of contingency plans was strongly advised by the FAO.
Most of the flood fields in Yemen have been affected by heavy rains, resulting in significant damage, including the collapse of a major dam that caused the death of four individuals in Al Mahwit, according to a weather forecast early warning bulletin.
The downpour also flooded streets and homes in other areas, particularly in Ibb and large parts of the highlands, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
According to the forecast, eastern parts of Yemen are expected to experience consecutive dry days, while heavy rainfall is predicted for the western regions. As a result, dust storms are likely to occur, impacting both humans and livestock and posing serious health challenges.
