The ongoing civil war in Yemen, which has persisted for over ten years, has severely endangered the lives and work of independent journalists within the country. Since the conflict erupted in 2015, various factions, namely the Houthis in the north and the United Nations-recognized Yemeni government coupled with the separatist Southern Transitional Council in the south, have levied accusations against independent journalists. These claims include allegations of disinformation dissemination and espionage, which have exacerbated the perilous conditions under which these media personnel operate.

The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS) has chronicled the tragic loss of 45 journalists attributed to this violent conflict, while six remain imprisoned by different armed groups. Despite a ceasefire since April 2022, the environment for independent journalism continues to deteriorate. The YJS reported over 41 incidents of violations against journalists and media entities during the first half of 2024, encompassing threats, incitements to violence, and kidnappings.

In a gruesome event earlier this year, Mohammed Shubaita, the Secretary-General of the YJS, was attacked in Sanaa, resulting in the death of his cousin and leaving Shubaita injured. The YJS has attributed responsibility for the attack to the Houthi authorities, who later characterized the violence as an unintended consequence of a clash between local security forces and armed individuals.

Previously, journalists in Yemen operated without the fear of abduction or murder. Now, the fragmentation of power among various authorities and militant groups has created a hostile atmosphere for reporting. In order to safeguard their lives, many journalists practice self-censorship, consciously avoiding politically sensitive topics. Instead, they may focus on less hazardous subjects, such as sports or environmental matters. Journalist Mohammed Al-Samaei from Taiz province has noted that the peril associated with field reporting remains high regardless of the subject matter, as journalists are viewed with suspicion by conflicting parties.

The war has also devastated the independent media landscape, with approximately 119 publications ceasing operation since the Houthis assumed control of Sanaa in 2014. Presently, only 13 independent or government-affiliated newspapers are active in Yemen. As a consequence, numerous journalists have vacated the field for alternative employment, facing inadequate wages of approximately USD 150 to 200 per month, often without formal contracts. The YJS underscores the perilous employment conditions for journalists in Yemen, as many media entities refuse to formalize labor agreements.

Moreover, the lack of safety training for journalists exacerbates their already vulnerable situation. Al-Samaei emphasized that while storytelling skills are crucial, they do little to protect journalists from physical harm without appropriate safety training. Few organizations, such as the YJS, the Studies and Economic Media Center, and the South 24 Center for News and Studies, offer necessary safety training sessions, which should be prioritized if journalists are to work effectively and securely.

In light of the ongoing dangers, it is imperative for journalists to exercise caution when covering stories in the field. Securing appropriate permissions prior to field assignments is crucial for ensuring visibility and protection. Journalists are advised to maintain distance from active conflict zones and military operations, as escalations may endanger even those who are not direct targets. Furthermore, prudence must be exercised in online communications, with journalists urged to refrain from inflammatory remarks concerning any factions involved in the conflict.

As political upheavals and military strife continue to plague Yemen, the challenges confronting journalists remain steadfast. Still, in this bleak reality, adversaries outnumber allies, leaving the future of independent journalism in jeopardy.

Related posts:

The Ukrainian Surprise Attack: What Happens Next? Libyan Military Launches Operation Against Armed Groups on Chad Border Assessing the UAE’s Involvement in the Sudanese Conflict: A Reflection on Regional Dynamics and Humanitarian Needs Ukrainian Paralympian Dmytro Melnyk Balances Sports and Duty Amid War Challenges