Spurred on by the Interior Ministry, officials in Hajjah, a northern province of Yemen, kicked off a security campaign on Sunday which aimed to address the issue of weapons-carrying in the region.
With a reported ratio of three weapons per inhabitants, all women, men and children confounded, Yemen is, while a peace-loving nation an even bigger, arm-loving nation, especially since the very idea of carrying a weapon, might it be the traditional Gambiya (a dagger-like short sword) or a fire arm, has come to equate one’ social status, the expression of one’ strength and manhood.
A tribal nation at heart, Yemen has had a long love affair with weapons, one many have said to be willing to give up; so much has it become part of their identity.
Nevertheless, the newly appointed Interior Minister, Major General Abdo al Tarab has said to be determined to reign down on illegal weapon carrying, keen to put an end to firearm-related violence across the country as to re-establish law and order.
Ever since 2011 uprising, Yemenis have learned not to rely on the state for justice or protection but their own ability to fight back, often to the sound of gun shots. Intent on ending such cycle of violence, Minister al Tarab is cracking down on weapons and gun related violence to restore peace and tranquillity, one province at a time.
This new campaign, entitled, Security is Everyone’s Responsibility”, state officials and non-government organizations partnered together to combat arms proliferation, calling on citizens to act responsibly toward their community.
Hajjah governor, Ibrahim al-Shami told the press, “Combating arms-carrying is important to enhance security and stability and promote comprehensive development efforts in the province.”
Residents in Hajjah have so far reacted very positively to the campaign.