The Union of Yemeni Traders announced a general strike from January 1, 2020 in response to the Houthi militia's decision regarding the circulation and possession of the new currency in their areas of control.
In a press release relayed by local media, the Syndicate explained that this new decision will make the lives of citizens living in the regions concerned worse and assured that similar decisions could be taken by other political parties which will economically divide Yemeni society and destroy the national union. The Union also drew attention to the fact that public servants paid by the legitimate Yemeni government will no longer be able to use their salaries to provide for their daily needs.
The statement from the Yemeni Merchants' Union also pointed out that the salaries of civil servants are estimated at billions, which means that the markets of the Houthi cities will be deprived of the important traffic which they badly need. The Syndicate explained that citizens and traders with large sums of money will see all their businesses stop, which will impact all economic sectors of cities. In addition, the press release recalled that transfers from foreigners, who pass through banks and exchange offices managed by the legitimate government, will suffer the same fate because of this ban.
Houthi militias released a decision last week that banned the circulation and possession of the new central bank currency, explaining that it is an illegal currency.
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