Yasser Alraeeini, former Minister of State for the Implementation of the National Dialogue Outcomes, has lauded Ma'rib Governorate as a "bulwark against the Houthis' attempts to undermine the republic and national identity."

Speaking to "Bran Press" on the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the "Matareh" (popular resistance camps) in Ma'rib, Alraeeini emphasized the province's pivotal role in safeguarding Yemen's republican system.

In September 2014, as the Houthis advanced towards Sana'a, the tribes of Ma'rib formed armed camps known as "Matareh" in the "Nakhla and Sahaeel" areas, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to defending their homeland. This traditional tribal response, a testament to their resilience, stemmed from the Houthis' aggression towards tribal communities bordering the governorates of Jawf and Sana'a.

Alraeeini hailed Ma'rib's resistance as a "living example of national courage" deserving of recognition in Yemeni history. He described the province as a "steadfast fortress for the nation and a beacon for the September Revolution."

The former minister highlighted the crucial role played by the local authorities, political parties, and tribal leaders in Ma'rib during the Houthi offensive in late 2014. He emphasized the importance of learning from this experience to overcome current challenges and rebuild the state.

Alraeeini  addressed Ma'rib and its political and social components on the 10th anniversary of the "Matareh" and the 62nd anniversary of the September 26 Revolution. He asserted that Ma'rib "has always been, and remains, a safety valve for the republic and the state, a model of national unity for all Yemenis." He emphasized that the province's "glorious history, steeped in glory, honor, and dignity," serves as a source of strength.

Alraeeini stressed the importance of resisting "small voices attempting to sow discord" and safeguarding the legacy of Ma'rib as a symbol of unity and resilience.

Interview Highlights: 

Q: What are your comments on the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the "Marib Camps" and the role of Marib in confronting the Houthi coup?

As we mark the tenth anniversary of the Marib Camps and the glorious anniversary of the September 26 Revolution, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our great Yemeni people, who continue their struggle to preserve their national identity and eternal republic.

We also salute the steadfast Marib Governorate, which has been and remains a stronghold for the nation and a beacon of the September Revolution. Marib has carried the banner of revolution and freedom in the face of Houthi aggression, and thanks to the unity of its people, local authorities, political parties, and tribes, it has revitalized the republican project.

Marib has served as a formidable barrier against attempts to undermine the republican system and national identity. Its resistance to the Houthi militias stands as a living testament to national courage, deserving to be etched in gold letters in the annals of Yemeni history.

Q: How do you assess the position and performance of the local authority in Marib, as well as the security and military apparatus, during their confrontation with the Houthi aggression in 2014?

The position and performance of the local authority in Marib during the confrontation with the Houthi militia in 2014 are well-known, exemplifying resilience and wise leadership. We all remember the efforts of the local authority, led by Sheikh Sultan al-Arada, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council and Governor of Marib, in coordinating the efforts of tribes, political parties, and security and military forces against the militias, which helped strengthen local support.

Thanks to this meticulous coordination, Marib successfully resisted the militias, forming a strong wall to protect the community, sovereign institutions, and vital facilities. This performance demonstrated a steadfast national commitment and a heroic role in preventing Marib from falling into the hands of the militia.

The experience of Marib in confronting the Houthi aggression in 2014 marks a pivotal moment in Yemen's modern history, showcasing a unique cohesion among tribes, political parties, local authorities, and the military in defending the state and its institutions.

Marib's authority and community also succeeded in building societal awareness about the importance of preserving national identity and confronting the common threat, leading to unified political and community efforts against the militias, grounded in the defense of the state and the republican system.

Q: What does the stance of the Marib tribes rejecting the Houthi coup against the legitimate government signify? How has this stance given hope to Yemenis and inspired resistance? What lessons can be learned from this position?

The stance of the Marib tribes against the Houthi coup is a courageous declaration of defense for Yemeni identity. This position not only protected the republic but also ignited a flame of hope for all Yemenis. By refusing to submit, the tribes inspired a wave of resistance across Yemen.

The rejection of the Houthi militia's coup by the Marib tribes carries significant implications, primarily their refusal to accept external subjugation that the militias sought to impose as an Iranian proxy. The tribes also drew upon a fighting spirit for resistance, igniting the emotions of Yemenis in various provinces, instilling hope that resistance against the Houthis is not impossible but achievable through unity and cohesion.

Moreover, the Marib tribes' long history of rejecting domination and defending the homeland has made their stance a reference point for other regions. The lesson here is that community unity in difficult circumstances makes a significant difference and lays the foundation for rejecting tyranny in all its forms.

Additionally, the presence of strong and influential local leadership is essential to guide efforts toward a common goal.

Q: How do you evaluate the position of Marib's political parties that disagreed with their central leadership in Sana'a and chose to confront the Houthi coup alongside the tribes and local authority?

This position reflects the courage of the parties and their deep understanding of the gravity of the situation. Aligning with the local authority and the military against the threat to the republic and national unity demonstrates that the responsibilities of the moment require prioritizing common national interests over narrow party interests, which has bolstered the resilience of the governorate and formed a cohesive defense front against the coup.

This step successfully embodied the concepts of sacrifice and patriotism through collaboration with the tribes, local residents, the military, and the national resistance, showcasing the possibility of overcoming party differences in the face of an existential threat.

Q: How can we benefit from the experience of Marib, where tribes united with political parties and local leadership to defend the governorate and prevent its fall into the hands of the militias, presenting a living model of the state?

This experience illustrates how solidarity and cooperation can make a significant difference in facing challenges. Strengthening collaboration among community components, enhancing state institutions, and embodying national unity in the face of any external or internal threat are crucial.

We can also learn from this experience the importance of supporting dialogue among tribes, political parties, and military and security institutions to create a unified vision for defending the state, as well as enhancing the capabilities of local authorities to keep pace with the changes occurring today amid the significant expansion in the governorate and to bolster efforts against internal and external threats.

Furthermore, it is essential to enhance political and social awareness among the population to strengthen national identity and foster a sense of citizenship and social responsibility.

Overall, this experience provides a practical model for a viable, evolving, and constructive state.

Q: What is your message to Marib, its tribes, political parties, and local authority on the tenth anniversary of their heroic stance in defense of the state, the republican system, national identity, and the values of peace and coexistence?

On the tenth anniversary of this heroic stance, we address this governorate and all the honorable people of the nation with pride and admiration. You have been and continue to be the safeguard of the republic and the protectors of the state and national identity. Your resilience and courage have inspired Yemenis everywhere, proving that unity and cohesion can withstand any oppressive force.

We commend you for your values of peace, coexistence, and defense of the state, and we urge you to continue on this national path, demonstrating that Yemen will remain steadfast regardless of the challenges and that the Yemeni national identity is stronger than any foreign project.

You are today the safeguard of Yemen and a model to be emulated in preserving identity and republican values.

This unique experience must continue, with tribes, political parties, local authorities, and military and security institutions working together to promote the values of peace and coexistence and protect national identity.

We must work to rebuild the Yemeni state and restore the people's rights to a dignified and secure life. These lessons should inspire all citizens to build a better future for Yemen, based on cooperation, understanding, and striving for peace and stability.

We always say that Marib has been and remains the safeguard of the republic and the state, a model of national unity that encompasses all Yemenis, drawing from its glorious history filled with pride, dignity, and honor. We must not allow small voices attempting to sow discord here and there to tarnish this glory or diminish its presence in the hearts of those who have made Marib their home and defend it with their lives and resources.