The political situation for young people in Yemen is very different compared to other countries. The youth here try to participate actively on the political scene and always seek to contribute to political decision-making. However, due to numerous obstacles and marginalisation, their political involvement has decreased in recent years. While their parents focused much of their time on what went on in politics, youth these days are more interested in social life, development and technology.
On the other hand, the stalled political talks and overall difficult political situation in Yemen does not really provide an inviting climate for participation. The political scene has also become very backward and outdated and is simply not compatible with the requirements of modern politics. The youth were marginalised when they tried pushing for changes in the political process and did not get enough opportunities to build on their capabilities and aspirations.
War and conflict came to haunt Yemen and, as a result, the large religious and traditional political parties became dominating forces in politics. Many youths are unwilling to be part of these parties.
Partisan education, the workings of the political process and political polarisation were dominant in my childhood. The parties were effective and active and there was a balance of power. As a result, political participation was simply greater. But the rise of corruption exhausted political pluralism in the country.
The political environment crystallises attitudes and participation. For example, between the years 2011 and 2015, Yemeni youth were active on the political scene and had their spaces where they could express opinions and thoughts. But once the war started, the voice of the guns took over and became the loudest and the voices of youth were lost.
The main obstacles for giving the youth a real opportunity to take part in politics are the people who took the lead in the political process- old people and self-proclaimed leaders- who deliberately marginalised the role of the youth.
The youth is now frustrated as there is a dominance on the political scene of old and traditional ideas. This makes the youth feel and think that political participation will be a waste of time from their side.
We, young men and women in Yemen, believe that the principles agreed upon in the National Dialogue agreement should be activated and put forward. This includes the special recommendation to involve the youth at a rate of 20% at all levels, whether in institutions, parties, or bodies. This will drive more motivation and desire among youth to engage in the political process.
The youth did not get an opportunity to express themselves and their dreams and hopes. Meanwhile, those in power say that the youth should not be included as they lack sufficient political experience.
The youth always tend to call for dialogue between generations and for the older generations to share their experiences with the youth so that young people can learn. But there is always bias and monopoly and those who believe that the situation must remain as it is.
We young men and women believe that if more youths are empowered and more leadership is granted to us, there will a real movement on the ground and new blood will be injected into politics, which in turn will result in meaningful change.
As for now however, many young people in Yemen have a dark and negative view on the political process in the country as old leaders control the political and public scene and reject the presence of youth for a number of reasons. From their point of view, the youth’s involvement in the political process may be the end point for them. They simply see us a threat.
