Yemeni authorities in Aden deployed security forces and armored vehicles in preparation for expected protests due to electricity outages caused by a shortage of fuel for power stations. The city, home to one million people, is governed by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE and allied with the internationally recognized government in the ongoing conflict with Houthi rebels. Demonstrations had been ongoing, with protesters blocking roads and setting tires on fire, resulting in clashes with security forces who dispersed the crowds using force.
Residents in Aden and neighboring provinces have been experiencing lengthy electricity outages, with some areas facing up to 10 hours of no power daily. The shortages are attributed to a lack of diesel fuel for power stations, as Yemen’s oil exports were halted over a year ago and attacks by Houthi rebels have disrupted fuel deliveries. The southern government pays private companies to import fuel but has fallen behind on payments, leading to internal disputes. The situation has strained the finances of the STC, causing tensions between the government and fuel importing companies.
Despite efforts to alleviate the electricity crisis, the situation remains dire for residents in Aden. A commercial fuel tanker was expected at the port, but the importer refused to unload the cargo without advance payment. The government spokesperson did not comment on the matter, and there was uncertainty regarding the arrival of a planned fuel shipment. The ongoing power outages have significantly impacted daily life in Aden, with residents facing challenges in accessing basic services like water and electricity.
The issue of electricity shortages in Aden has been ongoing, but recent protests have brought renewed attention to the dire situation faced by residents. Human Rights Watch has criticized the Yemeni government and the STC for failing to provide essential services to the population and responding violently to protests. The organization emphasized the obligation of authorities to ensure access to water and electricity for residents and condemned the use of force against demonstrators. The situation in Aden highlights the broader humanitarian challenges faced by the people of Yemen due to the ongoing conflict and economic difficulties.
International efforts to address the situation in Yemen have been ongoing, with various actors involved in mediating the conflict and providing humanitarian aid. The UN and other organizations have called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, emphasizing the need to prioritize the well-being of civilians. The ongoing protests in Aden over electricity shortages underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to the country’s complex challenges. With the situation in Yemen showing no signs of improvement, the plight of the population continues to worsen, emphasizing the importance of international intervention and diplomatic efforts to bring peace and stability to the region.
