Recent international reports have shown tangible positive indicators of improved living conditions and services in liberated Yemeni areas, attributing this qualitative shift primarily to the generous and ongoing support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The reports highlight the pivotal role played by Saudi initiatives, whether through the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen or the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, in lifting these governorates from a cycle of successive crises toward a phase of relative stability and economic recovery.
The context of the crisis and the shift towards development
To understand the significance of this improvement, it is essential to examine the historical context of the Yemeni crisis, which the United Nations has classified as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Since the outbreak of the conflict and the militias' takeover of the capital, Sana'a, Yemen has suffered a near-total collapse of its infrastructure and the cessation of basic services. However, the liberated areas, under the control of the legitimate government, have begun to experience a different trajectory thanks to Saudi intervention, which has not been limited to the military and political spheres but has strategically focused on development and economic aspects to ensure the sustainability of life for citizens.
Pillars of Saudi support and its direct impact
The international report focuses on several vital sectors that benefited from Saudi support, most notably the energy sector. Saudi oil derivatives provided to power plants ensured a continuous electricity supply to hospitals, schools, and homes, mitigating the effects of the sweltering summer and preventing the collapse of the healthcare sector. Furthermore, Saudi deposits in the Central Bank of Yemen played a crucial role in curbing inflation and halting the rapid depreciation of the local currency, contributing to the stability of basic food prices compared to areas not under government control.
Infrastructure projects: Rebuilding what the war destroyed
The support extends beyond immediate relief efforts to include strategic projects implemented by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. These projects encompass the rehabilitation of airports and seaports, such as Aden International Airport, the paving of roads connecting the governorates, and the construction of schools and health centers equipped with the latest technologies. These efforts aim not only to improve services but also to create thousands of job opportunities for Yemeni youth, thus contributing to economic growth and reducing unemployment rates exacerbated by the war.
Strategic and regional importance
The report concludes by emphasizing that stability in the liberated areas of Yemen is not only a local interest but also a necessity for regional and international security. The success of the development model in these areas strengthens the legitimacy of the state and its institutions, and offers Yemenis a glimmer of hope that peace and development are possible. This support also reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to assisting its southern neighbor not only in overcoming the war but also in building a stable and prosperous future that guarantees the security of the entire region and thwarts external interventions seeking to destabilize it.
