Introduction to the Houthi internal conflict
The Yemeni capital, Sana'a, and areas under Houthi control are witnessing a marked escalation in internal disputes and divisions. At the heart of this conflict lies the issue of Zakat (Islamic alms) and Waqf (religious endowment) funds, a key driver fueling the struggle among prominent Houthi leaders. Various factions within the group, particularly the Sa'dah faction, are vying for control of these vast financial resources, which have become a lifeline for funding military operations and amassing enormous personal wealth at the expense of the suffering Yemeni people.
General context and historical background of the event
Since the coup and the Houthi takeover of state institutions in late 2014, the group has systematically crippled the Yemeni economy and seized control of all revenue streams. In a strategic move to consolidate its financial power, the group established the “General Authority for Zakat” in 2018, followed by the creation of the “General Authority for Endowments.” These steps effectively stripped traditional ministries of their authority and transformed these institutions into independent entities directly subordinate to the group’s senior leaders. These measures were not limited to administrative actions; they also included the imposition of forced levies on merchants, farmers, and ordinary citizens under the guise of zakat, and the confiscation of vast tracts of land and properties belonging to the endowments.
Reasons for the escalation of the conflict between Houthi leaders
The primary reason for the escalating conflict among Houthi leaders is the enormous revenue generated by zakat and endowments. With other revenue streams declining due to international oversight, these funds have become the biggest prize in the group's power struggles. Credible reports indicate a covert and overt struggle among security and political leaders and field supervisors for control of these institutions. These funds are being diverted from their intended purposes and used instead to buy tribal loyalties, finance sectarian activities, and build financial and real estate empires for top-tier leaders.
Local impact and humanitarian and economic crisis
Domestically, the exploitation of zakat and waqf funds has had a disastrous impact on the humanitarian and economic situation in Yemen. Instead of directing these funds to combat the widespread poverty and famine plaguing the country, they are being diverted to serve the group's agenda. The imposition of exorbitant levies has led to the bankruptcy of numerous small and medium-sized enterprises, the flight of domestic capital, and soaring prices for basic commodities. Yemeni citizens living in Houthi-controlled areas are enduring unprecedented economic hardship, while Houthi leaders flaunt the obscene wealth they have amassed from the people's money.
Regional and international repercussions
The impact of this financial conflict is not limited to Yemen; it extends to dangerous regional and international dimensions. The continued flow of zakat and waqf funds into the Houthi coffers grants them financial independence, enabling them to prolong the war and defy international resolutions. These funds are used to develop their military arsenal and finance attacks that threaten international maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, as well as the security of neighboring countries. This financial intransigence also obstructs peace efforts led by the United Nations and the international community, as the group rejects any settlement that might deprive it of control over these vital resources.
a summary
In conclusion, the struggle over zakat and waqf funds among Houthi leaders clearly demonstrates the group’s transformation into a complex network of financial interests. The continuation of this situation not only threatens to deepen the humanitarian tragedy in Yemen but also poses a major obstacle to any genuine efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. More robust international intervention is required to cut off illicit funding sources and ensure that national resources are directed toward serving the Yemeni people and alleviating their suffering.
