The kidnapping attempts that happened recently to businessmen reveal where Yemen’s private sector has reached. It became an obvious fact that the private sector in Yemen is no longer able to stand against the dangers it faces.
In the past, businessmen represented by the Commerce Chamber used to abort or delay any governmental procedure in relation to tax or customs if a controversy took place or a businessman was in harm. This has changed since 2007. The Commerce Chamber used to launch fierce attacks against the government as well as the president to force government to act responsibly towards its citizens. Locals were certain that the sector was able to secure itself and could create an environment for investment.
An employee, who asked to stay anonymous due to the sensitivity of the subject, said that his manager feels unsecured by the possibility of being kidnapped from his office or simply from the street with no reasonable reason. “The situation became very critical especially when our manager’s friend was kidnapped from his office. We try not to yank the door handles so that our manager does not get horrified by the sound”. The employee added.
Unfortunately, the issue develops to a very worrying degree especially when businessmen have disputes with others. The opponents may seek assistance from armed tribal groups who can kidnap without perior knowing of their location.
Though the government acts positively towards kidnapping foreigners and had performed some security procedures, it does not move a muscle towards the kidnapping of Yemeni businessmen. This negative position has led to nine recorded kidnappings in 2009.
Three months ago, Abdulmalek Al-Khamery, the Manager of Haddah Hotel and the Arab Investment Company, was kidnapped by an armed group belonging to Bani Thubyan tribe. The kidnappers claim that he bought red mercury (rare stones) from them 10 years ago without paying them. In the beginning, Chamber of Commerce had threatened to implement a general strike unless Ministry of Interior has Al-Khamery released and punish the kidnappers. Yet nothing was done.
In less than two years, many kidnapping cases took place. Omar Al-Hamery, the child Alodainy, Alsade’e, the entrepreneur Nasr Albaham are only few examples not to mention the70-days- detention of Hayel Beshr, the manager of the United Company of Engineering and Cars. Two months ago, some amount of money was stolen from a businessman coming out of a bank. Worth mentioning is the kidnapping of Jamal Abdulwase’ Hayel, the General Manager of NATCO Company in Ramadan by an armed group wearing military uniforms and driving a police car. Thanks to tribal leaders in Mareb, he was released 24 hours later without governmental interference.
Kidnapping has become a source of livelihood for kidnappers, especially in the absence of the law. Observers expect kidnappings to increase if problems continue to add up on the government. With a rebellious in the north, demands for secession in the south, and over 50 percent of Yemenis living near the poverty line, businessmen kidnapping is bond to only increase in 2010.