الآراء
Yemen: Trapped in Corruption and Nepotism How Have Political Parties Driven the Country to Ruin?
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Strategic Fragments
By: Mustafa bin Khalid
December 27, 2024
Yemen: Trapped in Corruption and Nepotism
How Have Political Parties Driven the Country to Ruin?
In a country devastated by wars and drowned in crises, Yemen today stands on the brink of total collapse after decades of political dominance rooted in corruption and nepotism. Political parties seemingly compete to serve the nation but, in reality, divide interests and positions among themselves, ignoring the suffering of a population crushed by poverty, hunger, and displacement.
Corruption and Nepotism: The Backbone of Power
Since Yemeni unification in 1990, political parties have transformed into platforms for dividing state resources and positions, disregarding merit and competence. Ministries have become private domains of party leaders, while government jobs have turned into spoils shared among close affiliates. Even diplomatic posts, representing the country’s image abroad, have not been spared, awarded to relatives and loyalists rather than qualified professionals.
Entrenched Leadership and Unchanging Faces
While the world rapidly evolves, Yemen’s political leadership remains stagnant. Faces that have clung to power for decades dominate the scene with an exclusionary and authoritarian mentality. These leaders have failed to present any genuine vision to save the country, instead directly fueling tribal, regional, and sectarian conflicts, further worsening the situation.
Parties and Wars: A Destructive Partnership
More alarming is that corruption and nepotism are not merely byproducts but tools deliberately used to ignite wars and ensure the parties’ grip on power. From public sector jobs to real estate, oil, and gas, to dubious deals—these have all become instruments in the political game that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.
Party Dictatorship and Marginalized Youth
In addition to corruption, Yemen suffers from rigid party leadership that resists renewal or granting opportunities to younger generations. These leaders, entrenched in power for decades, disregard their own internal systems that mandate holding general conferences and elections to inject fresh energy. Meanwhile, the youth, who make up more than half of the population, face systemic marginalization as the elderly elite dominate power without providing solutions to pull the country out of its deepening crises.
Politicized Religious Groups: Corruption in the Name of Religion
The problem extends beyond financial and political corruption to the exploitation of religion in conflicts. Politicized religious groups have manipulated faith and jihad slogans to justify their interests. Positions have been distributed among their followers, and religion has been weaponized as a tool for legitimization and suppression. Public funds have been drained to buy loyalties and fund conflicts, turning religion into a justification for violence and intimidation rather than a source of peace.
External Influence: A Partner in Crime
The role of foreign embassies and international and regional powers in exacerbating the situation cannot be ignored. External aid is often granted without clear conditions, enabling political parties to use these resources to strengthen their influence instead of improving the lives of the Yemeni people.
The Price Paid by the People
• Economically: Living standards have plummeted to unprecedented levels with the currency collapsing and job opportunities disappearing.
• Socially: The social fabric has disintegrated, giving rise to tribal, regional, and sectarian animosities.
• Politically: The state has turned into an arena of conflicts among parties and forces solely seeking their own interests.
Hope for Reform: Is There a Way Out?
Despite the bleak outlook, hope remains. The solution begins with genuine political will to break the vicious cycle of corruption and nepotism. This requires strengthening transparency, enforcing accountability, and supporting civil society organizations. International aid must be tied to tangible reforms, with sanctions imposed on leaders implicated in war and corruption.
On the national level, the solution cannot be achieved without an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and the initiation of a national dialogue leading to a fair and inclusive reconciliation. This reconciliation must be free from foreign interventions, ensuring the participation of all parties without exception and based on principles of justice and equity.
Proposed Measures for Reform and Salvation
1. Renew Party Leadership: Require parties to conduct free and fair elections.
2. Combat Corruption: Establish independent oversight bodies and hold corrupt officials accountable.
3. Depoliticize Religion: Keep religion away from conflicts and public office.
4. Empower Youth: Engage the younger generation in political decision-making.
5. Enhance Public Awareness: Mobilize society to combat corruption and demand their rights.
6. National Reconciliation: Develop mechanisms ensuring everyone participates in shaping Yemen’s future, free from exclusion or external interference.
Conclusion: Yemen Deserves Clean and Promising Leadership
Yemen stands at a crossroads: it will either free itself from the grip of corruption and nepotism or remain a hostage to conflicts and divisions. The hope for change begins with strong popular will and new leadership dedicated to serving the people, not opposing them.
The great Yemen deserves better, and this can only be achieved by rebuilding the values of honor, justice, and true patriotism through a national reconciliation that ends disputes and unites ranks for a brighter and more stable future.
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