On Nov. 18, the UN-backed Yemeni government returned from exile in Saudi Arabia to Aden under a power-sharing agreement that has raised hopes of a new chapter of peace, security and development. Over the last two months, Riyadh has been working on the deal between the government and the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC) — a development meant to usher in a political partnership between the sides after their bloody confrontations.

Not all Yemenis are convinced, however.

Aden witnessed a bloody fray in August, culminating in the separatists’ takeover of the city and rapid collapse of government forces after three days of clashes. With the Riyadh-brokered agreement, the government is now back in Aden, which could be a positive turning point for government-held provinces, especially in the south.

But at least one southern province —​ Taiz ​— has little chance to rid itself of the terrible, multilayered plight it has suffered. The city of the same name has been beset by the cruel war and an unrelenting siege over the last five years. A humanitarian catastrophe has been unfolding and epidemics keep surfacing. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the heavy toll.