Burgen: The Houthis took advantage of the war as an opportunity to get rich
English - Monday 14 September 2020 الساعة 05:04 pm
Sanaa, NewsYemen, Exclusive:
The "Burgen" project said that the Houthi coup militia took advantage of the war as an opportunity to maximize profits through illegal methods to consolidate their power in the country.
In its report, "Understanding Economic Institutions in Yemen," the project stated that the opportunity for the Houthi militia originated in most informal economic institutions, the most important of which is the black market.
Burgen, an organization working to address poverty and hunger, noted that arms trafficking, smuggling of food, consumer goods and drugs, and human trafficking were the most important financial resources for the Houthi militia.
The draft confirmed that military leaders who receive soldiers ’salaries and food allowances have contributed to the economic instability in Yemen.
The International Crisis Group has confirmed that the leaders of the Houthi militia are using the new wealth they have obtained in a large way in the land and property.
The report of the International Crisis Group, "Rethinking How to Achieve Peace in Yemen," stated that the Houthi militia has become more effective in imposing taxes on goods and companies.
The Houthi militia controls the capital, Sanaa, and with it the main economic center in the country and its existing institutions, and takes possession of its trade and distribution of fuel.
The report added that the Houthi militia has taken control of the energy sector and profits from oil and gas sales that are transported to its regions.
The International Crisis Group indicated that the Houthi militia uses part of these funds to finance its war effort, and has not paid the salaries of civil servants for years.
Merchants' complaints about the increase in extortion by the Houthi militia, its double and unlawful collection of taxes, in addition to the illegal royalties they pay almost daily.
