Mapping Security Governance in Yemen

The objective of this research project is to map local security structures in al-Hudayda, Ta’iz and Aden with the goal of formulating recommendations on transitional security governance in support of the efforts of the UN Special Envoy to Yemen. We seek to determine whether and how existing institutions can contribute to the implementation of both local agreements as well as a comprehensive peace or ceasefire agreement. This project is implemented in partnership with the Yemen Policy Center (YPC) and funded through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPS) of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.

Duration: April 2020 – May 2021

Team: Marie-Christine Heinze (contact person), Jan Hanrath

Partner: Yemen Policy Center (YPC)

Donors: Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPS) of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

Local Security Governance in Yemen in Times of War

Local Security Governance in Yemen in Times of War

by Mareike Transfeld, Mohamed al-Iriani, Maged Sultan and Marie-Christine Heinze

After six years of war, state institutions in Yemen have fragmented along multiple fault lines. The security sector is no exception. Given their role as central nodes of the country’s security governance structure, this Policy Report explores governorate-level Security Committees in three governorates that have been particularly affected by violence and institutional fragmentation: Ta‘iz, al-Hudayda and Aden. Next to seeking to understand the institutional set-up and functions of the Committees, questions guiding this Report are how the Committees have evolved in the context of state fragmentation and what, if any, capacities they have to play a potential role in local-level mediation (for instance, regarding humanitarian access) or transitional security governance arrangements.

view YPC/CARPO Report