Millions of dollars for frontline commanders, while southern citizens scavenge for bread under “legitimacy” era
SANAA, May 26 (YPA) – Conflict loops persist between Saudi-backed factions and their UAE-aligned counterparts across Yemen’s southern and eastern regions.
From settling scores through assassinations to looting scandals and traded accusations of treason and foreign dependency, glaring scandals have surfaced regarding the financial privileges secured by warring leaders on all sides. These revelations emerge amidst dire economic conditions endured by Yemeni citizens in the country’s south and east.
Following the financial privileges scandal exposed by pro-Islah Party MP Ali Ashal regarding the financial allocations received by members of the Presidential Leadership Council —which Ashal disclosed as totaling “1.2 billion YER monthly”—media outlets in Saudi-controlled areas have unveiled a new scandal.
They exposed the financial perks granted to the Chairman of the National Reconciliation Commission, Mohammed Al-Ghaithi (who is loyal to the UAE), which reportedly amount to “1.2 million SAR”—equivalent to approximately $320,000 monthly.
The exposure of these financial privileges enjoyed by leaders in southern and eastern Yemen comes amid escalating friction between Saudi-backed groups and UAE-aligned factions.
Despite recurrent discourse surrounding corruption scandals and the embezzlement of public funds, observers note that these exposures have failed to trigger any corrective actions to curb the looting. This stands in stark contrast to the miserable economic realities facing the populace.
Human rights activists have previously pointed out that “the funds acquired by pro-coalition leaders far exceed those received by any state official anywhere else in the world.”
It is worth noting that a 2018 report by the UN Panel of Experts on Yemen highlighted that corruption crimes and the plundering of public funds within the “legitimate government” are executed in a manner that systematically undermines any efforts to end the war in Yemen.
YPA