ABSTRACT
This chapter examines Yemen’s peace processes, drawing lessons from past conflicts to inform future efforts. It begins with the 1994 conflict between northern and southern Yemen, a pivotal moment in the country’s history, and explores how historical events continue to shape current dynamics. Key conflict drivers—political rivalry, weak governance, economic interests, and lack of inclusive representation—are analyzed alongside deeper issues such as national identity, historical grievances, and ideological divides. The chapter also assesses the challenges of transitional justice, particularly during the National Dialogue Conference (NDC), where disagreements arose over how far back cases should be considered. Another focus is successful mediation, identifying the traits of effective mediators and analyzing factors that influence peace agreements, including inclusivity, process design, implementation, and outcomes. By comparing past peace initiatives, the chapter highlights best practices and areas requiring improvement. It concludes with recommendations for a transformative peace approach tailored to Yemen’s complex conflict landscape. These include defining the scope of negotiations, selecting effective mediators, and structuring agreements for long-term stability. Strengthening peace efforts through these insights aims to reduce violence and foster lasting security in Yemen.
