“Karama Movement” leads protests in Shabwa over marginalization, deteriorating conditions

SHABWA, Aug. 13 (YPA) – Hundreds of citizens demonstrated on Thursday in the Al-Aram area of Habban District, in Saudi-controlled Shabwa Governorate, southeastern Yemen, following a call by the “Karama Movement” (Dignity Movement) to denounce the breakdown of basic services and worsening living conditions in the governorate’s eastern and southern districts.

Protesters raised banners and placards expressing explicit rejection of what they described as exclusionary policies and targeted media campaigns directed against members of the ‘Al-Wahidi’ tribes in those districts.

Demonstrators demanded justice and equity in the distribution of development and service projects within their districts, pointing out that their regions are rich in natural resources without reflecting on local development yields or the reality of services provided to residents.

The street protest follows rising tension against Saudi-backed authorities in Shabwa over the suppression of voices demanding their rights and the abduction of several members of the Al-Wahidi tribes, led by Sheikh Saleh Al-Qumaishi and his escorts last October. Al-Qumaishi was released after spending months in secret prison facilities within Ataq Airport.

This local protest by Shabwa residents comes amid worsening living conditions resulting from the collapse of basic services in the oil-rich governorate under Saudi control.

YPA