Yemen, a nation ravaged by conflict since 2014, has seen its public institutions fragment and falter under the strain of prolonged warfare. Amidst the chaos and division, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have stepped up as essential actors, providing not only humanitarian aid but also bridging the deepening divide between Yemen’s fractured public administrations.
In Yemen, the traditional mechanisms of public administration have been severely disrupted. The internationally recognized government operates from Aden, while the Houthi-controlled government is based in Sana’a. This schism has led to duplicated efforts, inefficiencies, and an overall breakdown in the delivery of essential services. In such a fragmented environment, NGOs have become the linchpin, stepping in to fill the governance void and act as intermediaries between the warring factions.
The concept of NGOs serving as a bridge in conflict zones is not novel, but its relevance in Yemen is stark. By coordinating efforts between divided authorities, NGOs ensure the continuity of vital services such as water supply, education, and healthcare. For example, an NGO successfully negotiated a deal to provide water services in a city where control was split between rival authorities. This intervention not only maintained a critical service but also fostered a rare instance of cooperation between conflicting parties.
A recent study identifies several pivotal factors that enable NGOs to effectively bridge the divide in Yemen. Firstly, the readiness of stakeholders on both sides to engage in technical discussions and reach compromises is crucial. Without this willingness to cooperate, any bridging effort would be doomed to fail. Additionally, public support from local communities lends legitimacy to NGO efforts and pressures conflicting parties to collaborate. NGOs also need the capacity to manage additional responsibilities without compromising their primary humanitarian missions, which require skilled personnel and sufficient resources. Furthermore, flexible and sustained funding from international donors is essential. Such support allows NGOs to adapt to evolving ground realities and undertake bridging roles that may not align with traditional project frameworks.
However, the role of NGOs as mediators is fraught with challenges. The political sensitivity of their bridging efforts means NGOs risk being perceived as partisan by one side or the other, potentially undermining their neutrality and effectiveness. The constant threat to personal safety in conflict zones further complicates their mission. Despite these risks, NGOs remain committed to maintaining impartiality and adhering to humanitarian principles.
Dependency on donor funding also presents a significant challenge. Often, donor funds are tied to specific projects, limiting the flexibility of NGOs to fully engage in bridging roles. To overcome these obstacles, Dr. Moosa Elayah and his colleagues, who led a recent study on this topic, advocate for greater recognition and support for NGOs in their mediating roles. They argue that enhancing the capacity and flexibility of NGOs, combined with strategic donor partnerships, can significantly improve the effectiveness of aid and governance in conflict zones. In the case of Yemen, actors such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who have been participants in the conflict, can play a role as mediators and peacebuilders. Saudi Arabia’s peace talks with Yemen, the UAE’s mediation efforts in various conflicts, and their growing investment in humanitarian aid show that they do appear to be moving towards this role, although continued progress is essential.
The bridging role of NGOs extends beyond immediate humanitarian relief to long-term peacebuilding. By fostering cooperation and dialogue between divided administrations, NGOs can lay the groundwork for post-conflict state-building, especially if they coordinate with contributors of humanitarian aid, including states and international organizations. This dual approach of humanitarian aid and peacebuilding can help stabilize regions like Yemen, making them more resilient to future conflicts.
The shift from conflict to humanitarianism and peacebuilding by the Gulf states represents a significant transformation in their approach to Yemen, which can complement the role of NGOs and promote a peacebuilding agenda. Integrating peacebuilding efforts with humanitarian aid allows for a more holistic approach to conflict resolution, addressing both the immediate needs and the root causes of conflicts.
As Yemen continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the role of NGOs as mediators and peacebuilders will be crucial. The international community must acknowledge and support these efforts as part of a wider peacebuilding and reconciliation process, ensuring that NGOs have the resources and backing needed to continue their indispensable work. By doing so, they can help build a more stable and peaceful future for Yemen.
Moosa Elayah
Dr. Moosa Elayah is an Associate Professor in International Development, Peacebuilding and Conflict Studies, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (Qatar). Investigating the role of the nonviolent actors in a violent situation is his active research agenda, focusing on Yemen, Syria, and Libya but also looking at many examples of other conflicted countries. He is the author of the book “Europe and the MENA Region – Media Reporting, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding” Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2022.
