Local Administration in Conflict: The Case of Yemen

Abstract

This study sheds light on local administration in Yemen by examining the obstacles and constraints encountered between 2011 and 2022. Throughout these years, Yemen underwent tremendous changes, ranging from an uprising against the regime that was eventually overthrown to conflicts in various governorates, and the outbreak of the ongoing war. These events affected local administrations differently across governorates: in some, they strengthened authority and service delivery, while in others, they undermined them. Economic, political, and security challenges, as well as a lack of resources, have all had a negative impact on the provision of public services locally, making a reform of local administration systems a critical step toward rebuilding in the post-war era.