In light of a history burdened with conflicts, a research center asks: What is the way to reduce violence in Abyan Governorate?

A recent field report revealed that Abyan Governorate, located in southern Yemen, has witnessed a significant escalation in violence and security tensions since the Southern Transitional Council launched the "Arrows of the East" campaign and stationed its military forces in the governorate.

The report issued by the Mokha Center for Studies explained that these military movements, which began in August 2022 under the pretext of fighting terrorist groups, were understood as a new attempt to fuel regional conflicts and provoked the local community and pushed the governorate into a new round of violence.

The report indicated that Abyan Governorate, which enjoys an important strategic location linking the city of Aden with the governorates of Shabwa, Hadramaut and Al Mahrah, has been an arena for multiple conflicts over the past decades, due to its complex tribal structure and geopolitical importance. The report stressed that the recent military intervention has destabilized social stability and increased tensions between tribes and local groups.

The report added that the security gains achieved by the campaign were not sustainable, as they exacerbated tribal conflicts and created an environment conducive to the activity of armed groups. It stressed that achieving stability in the governorate requires a comprehensive approach that includes security, economic and political aspects.

Regarding possible solutions, the report stressed the need to adopt an integrated strategy to rebuild state institutions, especially the security, police and judiciary agencies, to ensure the rule of law and reduce the security vacuum exploited by extremist groups. The report also called for strengthening development efforts to address the deteriorating economic conditions, as poverty and unemployment are among the main factors that push young people to join armed groups.

The report recommended supporting development projects that contribute to improving infrastructure and creating sustainable job opportunities for young people, in addition to launching community reconciliation programmes to enhance social cohesion and contain internal tensions.

The report also called for a review of the Southern Transitional Council's military presence in Abyan, through a gradual withdrawal of forces coming from outside the governorate, and strengthening the role of local security units that were present before 2022, in addition to opening the door to recruitment for Abyan residents to form new units capable of confronting armed groups in remote and rugged areas.

In the same context, the report stressed the importance of intensifying awareness campaigns among local residents about the dangers of joining armed groups, and encouraging them to engage in civil and community work.

The report concluded by stressing that achieving stability in Abyan requires strong political will and close cooperation between local and international authorities, stressing that appointing a new governor who is competent and accepted by society is a necessary step towards restoring stability and leading the governorate towards a more secure and prosperous future.