No light at end of tunnel for Yemen’s economy
The Yemeni government and central bank are unable to solve the unpaid salaries crisis of government employees amid an economic crisis that has left devastating humanitarian conditions in the war-torn country.
SANAA, Yemen — Hassan walks about one mile each day to get to his new job as a private security guard, to save on transportation costs. He barely makes $100 each month. The 42-year-old used to be a departmental director in the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, but the war has led to massive power outages in the country and he lost his job after much of the ministry’s work was halted.
"I try to provide my family with the minimum food needs with my job," he told Al-Monitor. "Our situation has changed since the war broke out; our salaries have been suspended for more than a year, and I am spending all my savings and selling what I can. Five months ago I left my apartment in downtown Sanaa because of accumulated rent due. I now live with my wife and child in a room at my parents’ old house."
