United Nations Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths held a meeting with Sa’ada tribal leaders in Saudi capital Riyadh, informing them that Yemeni consultations are scheduled to launch right after Eid al-Adha.
Khawlan tribe leader and member of the Saada province council Sheikh Abdulkhaliq Bashr told Asharq Al-Awsat that the meeting with Griffiths was intended to educate the international community about the sufferings of Yemenis in Saada and their denial of rightful political representation.
Bashr pointed out that the current insurgency which brought about chaos and bloodshed nationwide has sprung out from Sa’ada.
If Sa’ada is not taken into account in future peace settlements, problems facing Yemen won’t end and will reemerge in years to come.
“We have been keen to put forward several issues, notably grievances held by Saada locals in the long period of time they have been displaced, dating back to 2008 until this very day, and the inhumane recruitment of children in schools,” said Bashr.
He said that the elders of Saada demanded the UN envoy pressures Houthi militias to apply the rule of law and enforce values of coexistence.
Bashr confirmed that the elders of Saada demanded a thorough investigation as to why Saada locals have been excluded from past political discussions, especially during UN consultations held by former UN envoys, national dialogue meetings held in Sana'a, or recent consultations in Kuwait.
As for the outcome of the meetings, Bashr explained that Sa’ada elders have seen acceptance from the UN envoy towards arguments and insights presented by tribe chiefs on humanitarian issues facing Yemeni communities.
He promised that Saada's grievance will be one of the main topics discussed in upcoming consultations.
Bashr confirmed that Griffiths expressed his rejection of Houthi media promoting the notion of Saada being a bargaining chip in future negotiations, stressing that such an issue has not been raised.
He also said Saada is being treated like any other Yemeni province, and that the UN wants to solve problems in all Yemeni cities and governorates without exception.
