Al-Hajuri sparks conflict among Yafa’a tribes

LAHJ, Oct. 09 (YPA) – An attempt by hardline Salafi cleric Yahya al-Hajuri to establish a new religious center in Yemen’s southern Lahj province has sparked a tribal conflict in the Yafa’a region, highlighting growing tensions between religious movements and traditional tribal authorities.

The move has been met with strong opposition from local tribal leaders, most recently Sheikh Abdulrab bin Ahmed bin Abu Bakr al-Naqeeb, who has publicly rejected the establishment of the center, sparking a wave of criticism from al-Hajuri’s supporters in the Banu Qasid district.

In a statement, tribal elders and notables from Banu Qasid condemned al-Naqeeb’s stance, describing it as an unjustified interference in the internal affairs of al-Saadi.

They asserted that each tribal district in Yafa has its own autonomous leadership and internal matters that should not be subject to outside intervention.

The statement emphasized the importance of respecting traditional tribal norms and warned that violating the boundaries between tribal districts could destabilize long-standing customs that help preserve peace and order in the region.

The elders called on all tribal leaders and community figures to prioritize unity among the people of Yafa’a and to uphold the integrity and independence of each district, saying such respect is essential for maintaining social harmony and protecting Yafa’s historic reputation.

Since July, al-Hajuri has attempted to establish the center in al-Saadi district amid widespread community rejection of Salafi movement in the region.

Opponent urged that instead of importing ideologically rigid schools, efforts and funding — whose sources remain undisclosed — should be redirected toward building modern educational institutions and vocational colleges in Yafa, using the funding allocated for Al-Hajuri’s centers.

They noted that over 25 such centers linked to Al-Hajuri are reportedly spread across the southern governorates.

@E.Y.M