Barran Press
The United Nations reported on Saturday that the number of Yemenis experiencing high levels of food insecurity in areas under the control of the internationally recognized Yemeni government has increased by 100,000 people over the past three months, bringing the total to nearly half of the population in these regions.
According to a recent UN analysis reviewed by "Barran Press," approximately 4.7 million individuals faced acute food insecurity between July and September 2023, including 1.2 million who are in critical condition.
The analysis attributed the worsening situation to the severe economic crisis affecting the recognized Yemeni government, exacerbated by the ongoing Houthi group's obstruction of oil exports.
This deteriorating economic landscape is characterized by a plummeting currency value, rising food prices, and continued conflict, alongside irregular humanitarian food aid. Additionally, heavy rains in August 2023 caused local flooding that destroyed homes, disrupted agricultural activities, and displaced an estimated 400,000 people, further intensifying the crisis.
A slight improvement is expected between October 2024 and February 2025, with projections indicating that 4.6 million people will still face high levels of food insecurity, including 1.1 million in emergency conditions.
The analysis confirmed that the high levels of acute food insecurity are directly linked to the declining economy, driven by currency devaluation, increasing food prices, and ongoing conflict, compounded by irregular humanitarian assistance.
The Yemeni government has called on the international community for support in addressing the current economic crisis, which has been worsened by the Houthis' two-year blockade on crude oil exports.
Yemen is currently experiencing a severe monetary crisis, with the local currency reaching record lows against foreign currencies in Aden and government-controlled areas. The dollar has surpassed 2,000 rials, up from 1,676 rials in late April, while the Saudi riyal is now trading at 524 rials, compared to 441 rials previously.
The Yemeni economy continues to face significant challenges due to a monetary division imposed by the Houthi group, which has intensified since the group targeted oil export ports in October of last year, preventing the internationally recognized government from exporting oil.