Yemen’s moderate voices wane as conflict unfolds

Yemen’s professional, moderate media has come under immense pressure as the country’s conflict deepens

The conflict in Yemen was brought to a new level this week with Saudi air strikes against the Houthi rebels. IMS’ Programme Manager on Yemen, provides an assessment of the disturbing developments following recent talks with IMS’ media partners in the country.

With the Houthis having taken control over several state media outlets, he describes how the media acts as ‘mouthpieces’ in the conflict.

“As it has happened earlier in Yemen and in many other places of conflict, the media has become part of the whole game. Our media partners in Yemen report that many media outlets have been acting as mouthpieces of various political and religious groups, contributing to tension in the country.”

Yemeni media workers are increasingly targeted in the conflict.

“One of our media partners in particular has received threats for recording and publicising violations against journalists.”

Other media outlets have been able to continue operations, including two IMS-supported radio stations run by the newspaper Yemen Times and the College of Mass Communication at the University of Sana’a. Whether the latest air strikes have affected their operations is unknown.

With some media outlets fanning the flames, the need for media outlets that provide professional, reliable information is greater than ever, says our Programme Manager.

“Media should play the opposite role by conveying reliable information on what is going on in the country.”

“Right now, things are developing rapidly and unfortunately it looks like the situation will get worse before it gets better.”

IMS is currently adapting its work to the volatile, violent context. “We encourage our media partners to work together, both so that the few reliable voices out there can become stronger, and so they may achieve a sense of solidarity.”

IMS’ focus is currently to ensure the safety and operational ability of local partners.

“In the days and weeks ahead we need to make sure that the few moderate voices here actually get their messages out to the people.”