The violence during Eid reveals the Houthis' failure to govern the Yemeni state
Once again, the joy of Eid al-Adha in Yemen is marred by the sound of gunfire and the bloodshed of innocents, particularly in areas controlled by the Houthi group. These tragic incidents, which transform a religious occasion meant for peace and celebration into a scene of violence, are no longer isolated events, but rather a stark indicator of the Houthis' profound failure to build a stable state and normalize civilian life after years of coup and war.
Background of the conflict and its impact on the social fabric
Since the Houthi group seized control of the capital, Sana'a, in September 2014 and subsequently expanded its military presence, Yemeni society has undergone radical transformations. The group systematically dismantled official state institutions, replacing them with parallel security and military structures based on ideological loyalty. This approach led to an unprecedented proliferation of weapons outside state control, where possession and use of arms became a means of settling personal disputes and imposing influence, in the absence of an effective and impartial judicial and legal authority.
Years of war and constant incitement have militarized society, where violence has been glorified and legitimized as a means to achieve goals. This general climate has negatively impacted individual behavior, and the culture of tolerance and dialogue that once characterized Yemeni society is gradually eroding, replaced by the language of force and weapons. This is clearly evident in the recurring murders during holidays and social events, often for seemingly trivial reasons.
Signs of the Houthis' failure to impose civil security
The most glaring example of this failure is the inability of the Houthi security forces to protect citizens. While these forces focus their efforts on suppressing political opponents and consolidating their power, they largely neglect their fundamental duties of combating crime and protecting lives and property. Citizens in Sana'a and other cities feel unsafe; the absence of effective law enforcement and the proliferation of weapons leave their lives constantly threatened.
The incidents of violence during Eid, whether resulting from celebratory gunfire or personal disputes, reveal the reality that the Houthi authority is a de facto military power, lacking the capacity and vision to govern a diverse civil society. It succeeds in imposing its control by force, but fails to gain the trust of the community and provide the most basic requirements for a dignified life, foremost among them security.
Local and regional repercussions of state absence
At the local level, this security breakdown exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, leaving the population living in constant fear and anxiety, thus hindering any attempt at economic or social recovery. It also undermines social cohesion and sows the seeds of future vendettas and conflicts that could last for generations. Regionally, the continued chaos in Houthi-controlled areas makes Yemen a hotbed of instability, threatening international maritime security and the security of neighboring countries. The group's failure to build a functioning state internally is what drives it to export its crises abroad, attempting to divert attention from its escalating administrative and security deficiencies.
