The Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY) concluded a week-long field visit to Al-Ghaidha, Al-Mahra and Mukalla, Hadhramout between 16 and 24 October 2025, meeting with local authorities, representatives of political parties and components, civil society, economic actors, and media to deepen understanding of ongoing developments in eastern Yemen.
The mission formed part of OSESGY’s broader engagement across governorates to capture local perspectives on governance, service delivery, and economic stability, and to ensure that local priorities and perspectives on political, security, and economic matters are reflected in ongoing efforts to advance a peace process in Yemen.
Strengthening Local Governance and Economic Management in Al-Ghaidha
From 16 to 18 October, the OSESGY delegation met with the Governor of Al-Mahrah, senior security and military, officials in the governorate, and representatives of political parties and components, alongside representatives from the Central Bank of Yemen branch, the Tax Authority, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and civil society organizations.
Discussions focused on how local institutions manage revenues and sustain essential public services amid limited central funding, with local officials outlining the measures taken to maintain electricity, education, health, and security provision across the governorate. Private-sector representatives noted challenges affecting trade and import flows through the governorate’s entry points, while local authorities emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency and coordination in customs and financial procedures.
Military and security officials emphasized salary delays, and limited operational funding as key challenges, while civic actors urged greater international engagement and support for infrastructure upgrades at Shehn, Sarfait, and Nishtun ports. Participants across sectors highlighted the importance of inclusive representation of Al-Mahrah’s interests in national decision-making.
Economic Pressures and Institutional Coordination in Mukalla
Between 19 and 24 October, the OSESGY delegation visited Mukalla, where they met with the Governor and senior officials, political parties and components, private-sector leaders, banking and port authorities, journalists and civil society representatives.
Economic discussions centered on the resumption of oil exports, liquidity shortage in the local banking system and the strain on public-sector financing, with officials noting that limited cash circulation has further constrained local economic activity.
The discussions also touched on the broader economic challenges affecting people’s daily lives, including the rising cost of living, reduced employment opportunities, and pressures on public services. Local officials and private-sector representatives emphasized the link between economic recovery and political stability, noting that reliable access to fuel, electricity, and income-generating opportunities remains central to easing humanitarian suffering across Hadhramout and beyond.
Participants underscored that sustained economic hardship continues to deepen public frustration and erode confidence in institutions, highlighting the urgency of a political process capable of addressing both governance and economic drivers of instability.
Political Discussions: Representation, Governance, and Pathways to Peace
OSESGY met with representatives of major political parties and community leaders in Hadhramout, including members of the Inclusive Hadhramout Conference, the Southern Transitional Council, the General People’s Congress, the Yemeni Socialist Party, and Islah, to discuss the evolving political context. Participants discussed fragmentation among political actors and the absence of a unified mechanism for representing the governorate’s interests at the national level.
Political figures underscored that any future peace process should ensure inclusive participation from all Hadhrami constituencies, with equitable representation for governorates in national decision-making. Participants also emphasized the importance of partnerships and dialogue in addressing economic governance, resumption of oil exports, power-sharing, and local service delivery as integral components of any sustainable political settlement.
Across discussions, there was broad agreement that the continuing political divisions risk undermining local stability and public confidence. Participants expressed hope that future Yemeni-led dialogue efforts will take greater account of governorate-level realities and actors, including those at the municipal and community levels.
Civil Society and Media Perspectives: Shrinking Civic Space and Calls for Protection
OSESGY also met with civil society representatives, journalists, and human rights defenders who shared reflections on the evolving civic landscape in Hadhramout. Participants noted that while the governorate remains comparatively stable, the operating environment for civil society has become more complex, shaped by new administrative requirements and greater caution in public engagement.
They emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation between civil society and local institutions to advance shared community priorities, including women’s leadership, youth participation, and locally led peace initiatives. Participants also stressed that improving access to basic services - particularly electricity, fuel, and livelihoods - remains central to restoring public confidence and advancing peace at the community level. They called for clearer protection frameworks, consistent application of the rule of law, and greater recognition of civil society’s role in promoting peacebuilding and community resilience.
Finally, participants encouraged continued engagement with the UN and international partners to help amplify local perspectives and ensure civil society remains an active contributor to broader peace and recovery efforts.
Shared Priorities for Inclusion
Across both political and civil society meetings, participants underscored the need to rebuild public trust and broaden participation in Yemen’s peace efforts. Women and youth leaders in particular emphasized meaningful representation in decision-making and dialogue processes, noting that local engagement is essential to the credibility and sustainability of national peace efforts.
OSESGY reaffirmed the Special Envoy’s commitment to inclusive, Yemeni-led approaches that draw on diverse voices across Al-Mahrah, Hadhramout and beyond, ensuring that local experiences inform Yemen’s path toward peace and institutional renewal. The Office also expressed its appreciation to the authorities and communities of Al-Mahrah and Hadhramout for their cooperation, openness, and hospitality throughout the visit.
