The Saudi led invasion against the Houthis in Yemen saw other nations coming together to join in the fight against Houthi.
With Somalia and Sudan recently joining the forces, the Federal government of Somalia has permitted Sudanese military jets to use Berbera airbase to attack Houthi Shia rebels in Yemen.
The joint forces are all behind Yemen’s current President, Abdi Rabou Mansour Hadi. The Houthi rebels which are against the government forces are currently being attacked and the recent one has been the series of airstrikes by the Saudi Arabia forces.
Iran has however condemned Saudi Arabia’s move in launching the airstrikes in Yemen, stating that it has led to diminishing chances of possible talks to resolve the crisis.
Somalia has further offered its airspace and water to be used in the fight against Houthi rebels.
The Saudi led airstrikes have so far destroyed group arm stores, anti-aircraft batteries and killed several of fighters.
Although the not so much trusted, former President Ali Abdallah Saleh who is believed to be behind Houthis has called for end to invasion and initiate peace talks to end the ongoing crisis.
Its interesting how the Yemeni conflict has internationalized with great speed. I however am concerned with the silence by AU and her REC IGAD. The number of Refugees/Persons seeking asylum from Yemen should be a concern to AU and IGAD.
The Horn of Africa is well known of a region of many displaced persons and the Refugee bulge with its implications to Security. Proper screening should be conducted as this may provide an opportunity for Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to link with their affiliates Al-Shabaab with ease.
The implications to IGAD of the involvement of Sudan and Somalia into the Yemeni conflict should be assessed. as such the AU cannot afford a fallen Yemen as this may complicate Counter=terrorism efforts around the Horn. Three of its members (Egypt, Sudan and Somalia) are involved in the conflict through the Saudi Alliance against the Houthis. Also two of IGAD members are involved…….