The internationally recognized Yemeni government has renewed its condemnation of Iran-backed Houthis recruiting African migrants to fight their battles. It considered the Houthi action a war crime and a blatant violation of international and humanitarian laws.
Yemeni Information Minister Muammar Al-Eryani slammed Houthis for their recruitment of underprivileged African migrants. Eryani’s denunciation followed Houthi media broadcasting a funeral service held for an Ethiopian migrant who died in battle.
“Houthis-run TV al-Masirah aired a funeral held for an Ethiopian migrant killed while he was fighting on the side of the militiamen,” said Eryani.
“It is indisputable proof that Houthi militias have continued to recruit African migrants and refugees, which constitutes a war crime and an offense against humanity, breaching all international laws and conventions,” he added.
Eryani pointed out that the militias deliberately lure and recruit African refugees and migrants by enticement and intimidation.
According to the minister, the Iran-backed group is doing so to compensate for mounting losses in the northeastern governorate of Marib Governorate and its failure in getting Yemeni tribe members to join its ranks.
In a statement to the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), the minister called on the UN, human rights organizations, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to condemn the Houthi militia’s recruitment of African migrants and refugees.
Local and international human rights organizations accuse Houthis of continually arresting African migrants and refugees who arrive in Yemen and forcing them to join their battle against the war-torn country’s official state.
According to some reports, the group has previously recruited hundreds of Africans of multiple nationalities such as Ethiopia, Somalia, and others to fight against the Yemeni government.
Over the past two years, Houthi militias have continuously looted international aid provided to African refugees.
It is noteworthy that the group uses coercive means in their recruitment of young African migrants.
