When reporters came across a Facebook page which advertises weapons to Yemenis, at a time when the impoverished nation has been described as free falling into chaos, the media immediately jumped the gun – no pun intended, slamming Yemen officials for not cracking down on such a dangerous trend, especially given the fact that al-Qaeda militants could be lurking around.
And while indeed one could wisely argue that fire arms and unrest are never a good combination, maybe even more so in a country where the state has very little traction and authority over its institutions, Yemen is not exactly your average country.
Attached to its tribal past and traditions, Yemenis have entertained a long love affair with weapons. Might it be fire arms or the ancient Gambiyyas of their forefathers, Yemenis young and old cannot envision not having a weapon at home. Weapons are for many an expression of their wealth and power as men, visible proof that they are potent and active members of society, as tribesmen, fathers, sons and countrymen.
And if Yemenis enjoy their weapons, they never enjoy bloodshed. Media insistence to portray Yemenis as vengeful gunmen is not only a dangerous stereotype but it could not be further from the truce.
Gulf News reported earlier this week that Ebrahim Attwaiti, an officer in the Special Forces, advertised firearms on his Facebook page, acting a mediator and adviser for those expressing an interest in acquiring a gun, grenades or even RPG.
He told Gulf News, “I do not get any profit from my page. I am doing free of charge service to the people who need a gun … I am not doing an illegal business as weapons are everywhere in Yemen with the full knowledge of the government.”
And indeed even though on paper Yemenis are not allowed to carry firearms, unless otherwise authorised by the Interior Ministry, realities on the ground could not differ further. Like everything in Yemen in between how the law writes and how it is applied, there are more than a few shades of grey.
Attwaiti’s internet trade has raised more than a few eyebrows in Yemen as it essentially fuelled a new debate on firearms and weapons in general, at a time when the country is knee-deep in tribal-related violent and Islamic terrorism.
Now, while the naysayers will, quite rationally one might add, argue that weapons are the source of all things evil in Yemen, others have noted that rather than shut down an ancestral tradition, the authorities should concentrate on teaching civilians, firearms etiquette and safety.
No doubt Yemen newly appointed Interior Minister will be quick to react to the issue.
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