We Yemenis have lived with this war for over two and a half years. For 1,000 days — day in, day out — we have woken up and gone to bed with the terrifying reality of airstrikes, ground-fighting, and hunger. But this is not the worst of our pain. Our real source of pain is knowing that all of this could have been prevented, with one simple, life-saving decision — to support peacebuilders. In fact, a concerted effort by the international community to invest in local peacebuilders would not only help stop the violence and bloodshed, but would also stabilize our country and alleviate horrific human suffering in the long term.

Ten thousand of my countrymen and women have died, and nearly 3 million have fled their homes. More than half of Yemenis — over 17 million men, women, and children — are facing food insecurity.

As political negotiations progress, communities will be the bedrock for the implementation of a peace agreement. But that means that we need to act now to strengthen inclusive community platforms that manage disputes, bridge divides, and create the foundation for a unified Yemen. If we wait to build relationships across dividing lines until negotiations are successful, we may have a Yemen peace agreement with no Yemen.

Read the full article on Yemen by Shoqi A. Maktary at Devex International Development