As Yemen is preparing to kick start its much awaited and anticipated National Dialogue Conference on Monday 18 March, Maj. Gen. Ali Saeed Obaid, spokesman of the Military Affairs Committee confirmed all guns and weapons had now been banned from the capital, Sana'a to the exception of a few handful of special permit holders.
Maj. Gen. Obaid called on tribal leaders and political leaders to restraint from heavy using heavy armed procession while traveling through the city as he stressed upon the need for all citizens to abide by the rules and comply with the state requirements.
Yemen has one of the highest guns-per-capita ratio in the world. A study conducted in 2007 by the Small Arms Survey, a Geneva-based independent research project, established there were 60 guns per every 100 people.
Maj. Gen. Obaid explained the government was keen to convey a peaceful atmosphere, conductive to political negotiations as Yemen in venturing into the most sensitive phase of its transition of power.
Yemen National Dialogue Conference aims to resolve thorny issues, such as the southern issue and the Houthis' call for independence in the north (Shia rebel group led by Sheikh Abdel-Malek al-Houthi).