Yemen: Clashes continue in Ta'izz

In last month's issue of Yemen Focus we described the violence and chaotic conditions in Ta'izz – the killing of demonstrators and armed clashes between military units (some reports speak of organised groups of retired soldiers or defectors) and elements from the Republican Guard. At one stage, tribal militias were summoned by people in the city to provide protection to some neighbourhoods, presumably where there were tribal members.

Tribalism is not a major factor in Ta'izz and the intervention may have been quite limited. Reports suggest that the Mikhlaf tribe is the most involved. Its leader has been active in mediation efforts and has been protecting the young protesters, who have returned in small numbers to the main square.

There have been attempts at mediation by members of the well-known business family of Hayel bin Saeed and the local governor as well as the General People's Congress and Joint Meeting Parties. However, clashes have continued, albeit on a reduced scale and were still taking place in early July despite the announcement on 4th July of a new agreement to end the violence. Residents speak of daily chaos and the increasing difficulty of getting basis commodities. One source told Yemen Focus that he had to wait seven days in a queue for petrol.

There are reports of problems in Ibb and other towns in the Central District, but not on the scale of Ta'izz. Hodaida, which has seen its share of problems, has been quieter.

For more news and expert analysis about Yemen, please see Yemen Focus.

© 2011 Menas Associates

British nationals urged to flee Yemen amid protests

Anti-government demonstrators are set to face President Ali Abdullah Saleh's supporters in Yemen's capital Sana'a. Tens of thousands of people are taking to the streets as the country's political turmoil intensifies. Representatives of both sides have reportedly met and agreed to avoid confrontations, which have previously resulted fatalities.

According to a number of reports, anti-government protesters are moving towards the renamed "Change Square" near the Sana'a university, while supporters of the president are gathering in the city's Tahrir Square some 2km away.

Saleh, who has ruled Yemen for over 30 years, is under mounting pressure to step down immediately. Earlier in the month, in a bid to appease the brewing disconnect of the Yemeni people, he said he would step-down in 2012 but calls for his resignation have not subsided.

UK's Foreign Office has issued a statement urging British nationals to leave the ever-increasingly unstable Middle Eastern State immediately. The statement said: "Given the situation on the ground, it is highly unlikely that the British government will be able to evacuate British nationals or provide consular assistance in the event of a further breakdown of law and order and increased violent civil disorder. British nationals should therefore plan accordingly."

It also called on Saleh to take urgent steps to "build trust with the opposition and with the protesters…Without this trust, no agreement can be reached. The Yemeni people want to see their legitimate demands acknowledged and met and the UK fully supports them in this aspiration".

Sources: BBC News, Reuters, Politics, The Press Association

For more news and expert analysis about Yemen, please see Yemen Focus.