Barran Press
In an exclusive interview with "Barran Press," Dr. Abdu Rabbu Miftah, the Deputy Governor of Marib, spoke about the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the September 26 Revolution in the province. He emphasized that the local authority's efforts to revive the celebrations began well in advance.
Dr. Miftah addressed several pressing issues affecting Marib, including the recent damage caused by heavy rains and floods that impacted displacement camps and homes. He highlighted the ongoing influx of displaced individuals from across Yemen, asserting that Marib has embraced its role as a refuge for the Yemeni people, albeit to a lesser extent than before.
The Deputy Governor noted that Marib has taken on the responsibility of "welcoming and providing services to the displaced," describing them as honored guests. The local community has done its utmost to support them.
In his responses, Dr. Miftah elaborated on Marib's resistance against the Houthi movement, citing the significant role of the Al-Nakhla front. He described how the unity among the people of Marib transformed this front into a formidable barrier against the Houthis.
He stated, "The people of Marib have succeeded in repelling the Houthis and maintaining state institutions, as well as ensuring the safety and stability of the community." He also pointed to the early efforts to establish and rebuild the military with support from the Arab coalition.
Q: As we approach several national occasions, notably the anniversary of the September 26 Revolution, how do you view this celebration during such a critical time?
A: The September 26 Revolution arrives amidst extraordinary circumstances for Yemen. It marks a pivotal moment that shifted the nation from oppression to the dawn of freedom, led by the courageous sons of Yemen. This revolution was a true awakening for the Yemeni people, embodying their aspirations.
Historically, we see that the Houthi movement seeks to revert Yemen to a pre-1962 state. Today, Yemenis are resisting this same lineage, albeit under a different guise and with external support. The actions of the Houthis have intensified public interest in commemorating the September 26 Revolution, as people understand its significance in opposing monarchy. We must cling to the goals of this revolution, especially since the Houthis aim to undo its achievements. A generation has benefited from the educational and social advancements brought about by the revolution, while the Houthis represent a continuation of the monarchy that oppressed the Yemeni people.
Q: Does the national project recognize the existing dangers, and is there a champion for this project?
A: The Houthi's assault on state principles and institutions, along with their destruction of education and the economy, has exposed the true nature of this group. This has made the Yemeni populace more aware of their intentions. The principles of the September 26 Revolution are being revived, and the true bearers of the national project for the republic and the revolution are the people of Yemen. Today, Yemenis are celebrating this revolution everywhere, even in areas under Houthi control.
Q: What preparations is the local authority in Marib making to commemorate the September 26 Revolution?
A: The local authority considers September 26 as the mother of all revolutions. Currently, all sectors are participating in the celebrations. Marib is hosting three million Yemenis from across the country, and all are proudly raising the Yemeni flag. We have made early preparations to honor the memory of the September Revolution, keeping alive its principles and symbols.
Q: Will the celebrations include both the September 26 and October 14 Revolutions?
A: The September 26 Revolution is indeed the mother of the October 14 Revolution, which followed it. There was a strong coordination between the two revolutions, both aimed at expelling colonialism and tyranny to liberate Yemen.
Q: Shifting to the current situation, Marib has recently experienced heavy rains and storms that have damaged camps and homes. Can you describe the scene and the measures taken?
A: The rains and floods have affected displacement camps and residences, also damaging the electricity network in Marib and the Valley districts. This is not the first time we've faced such challenges. A rapid response was initiated, led by the Governor of Marib, Major General Sultan al-Erada, who directed the provision of 500 shelters and 500 food baskets for affected families. It's important to note that there are no storage facilities in Marib, but the local authority, along with its partners, has worked diligently to alleviate the suffering.
Q: Since early 2015, Marib has welcomed many displaced persons. How has the local authority managed this influx, and are the reported figures accurate?
A: Marib has taken on the responsibility of hosting the Yemeni people, and the influx continues, although at varying rates. Initially, there was a significant surge in displacement due to the Houthi coup, followed by internal displacement. Marib has committed to providing services to these displaced individuals, who are considered honored guests. The humanitarian response in Marib has evolved over three phases, starting with the displacement in late 2014. The first camp established was Al-Jufaina, south of Marib city, where we provided education, healthcare, electricity, and various assistance.
Q: How has humanitarian work evolved in Marib over the years?
A: No one chooses to leave their home for a tent unless driven by dire circumstances in search of security. The humanitarian efforts have included support from organizations such as the King Salman Center, which has consistently provided aid to displaced persons. We have worked alongside various agencies to deliver services directly to those in need.
Despite the challenges, humanitarian work in Marib, which hosts the largest number of displaced persons in Yemen, continues. However, there has been a significant decline in aid due to the ongoing economic crisis and the suspension of oil and gas exports by the Houthis, affecting both the displaced and the host community in Marib and Yemen as a whole.
Q: Many are asking whether local authorities and their offices in Marib have effectively benefited from the support provided, or if gaps have resulted in lost opportunities?
The humanitarian work in Marib initially focused on emergency responses due to ongoing displacement, prioritizing food, shelter, and water. However, since 2019, we have begun to implement sustainable projects across various sectors. In education, many schools have been built. In healthcare, a new eye hospital and a prosthetics hospital are set to open this September. Additionally, a maternity and child healthcare facility has been established and is now managed by our Kuwaiti counterparts. We have also expanded vocational training centers and completed significant water projects that now serve 38,000 residents. This includes a water project that connects Al-Faw wells to a central reservoir, benefiting both the city and surrounding areas.
In higher education, we have secured developmental projects, resulting in specialized departments at the University of Al-Jazeera, such as a medical college and computer science programs. These initiatives are particularly impactful during wartime, benefiting both the local community and individuals from other provinces.
Q: Some say that the local authority has not fully utilized the external support available?
The reality speaks for itself through the projects on the ground. We focus on what we are delivering rather than what is said about us. Our water projects, for instance, are a testament to our success; today, Marib has continuous access to clean drinking water. The maternal and child healthcare center and the prosthetics facility are further evidence of our commitment. The University of Al-Jazeera, established in 2016 during the war, has expanded to include master's and doctoral programs and various colleges.
Q: Is it true that Marib is building and protecting simultaneously?
Absolutely. The ongoing projects amid the war are the greatest proof of this. Everything you see being accomplished in Marib is a result of our determination to build while defending our community.
Q: What are the causes of the fuel crisis, and why hasn't the gasoline issue been resolved?
Marib has maintained lower prices than any other Yemeni province, leading to smuggling and market disruptions. We established committees to regulate fuel distribution and combat black markets. We also implemented a vehicle coding system for better control. Approximately 25,000 buses have been registered, with fuel production being allocated to citizens and administrative areas. Additionally, the Safer refinery is primarily set up for the Hant company and not to meet Marib's needs. The Yemeni economy has suffered greatly due to the Houthis halting exports.
Q: What about the maintenance of the gas station?
The gas station has not been maintained since its establishment. Initially, maintenance was handled by Siemens under specific conditions. Recently, we have involved local engineers and ongoing maintenance efforts, with Siemens expected to resume its role.
Q: Was there an agreement on a mediator bank for the grant from the Kuwaiti Development Fund?
Yes, discussions are ongoing, and Siemens is involved in the maintenance process.
Q: Can you describe the establishment of Matareh Nakhla?
Nakhla symbolize a revolution against the Houthi movement, with the people of Marib and Yemen united in preventing Houthi control. These camps played a crucial role in protecting local state institutions and maintaining stability. The army has also been restructured during this time, receiving support from the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Q: How has the unity between the people of Marib and local authority persisted despite the intense attacks against the province?
Governor Al-Aradah has been diligent in ensuring that local authorities continue to provide services to citizens. Even as the Houthis launched attacks, we maintained essential services like electricity and salaries. Despite the challenges, we have persisted in delivering services to the people of Marib.
Q: Does the local authority in Marib control the province's wealth without regard for the government or other provinces?
The local authority aims to preserve state institutions, which serve all Yemenis. We have continued to supply gas and other resources to various provinces, including those under Houthi control. All oil distribution is managed by the Ministry of Oil, ensuring that no part of the wealth is solely appropriated by Marib.
Q: Why is there a significant push from the Houthis and Iran for control over Marib? What does Marib represent for Yemen and the Arab region?
Marib is economically vital, accounting for 70% of Yemen's oil exports. It serves as a bulwark against Houthi expansion and is crucial for the stability of the Arabian Peninsula. The international community is beginning to recognize the threat posed by the Houthis.
Q: Do you believe the local authority has the capacity to meet the aspirations of the people of Marib?
The ambitions of the people of Marib are legitimate. We are still in the process of building. The University of Al-Jazeera, established during wartime, stands as a testament to our progress. Marib is experiencing stability in services that other provinces lack, with continuous electricity and educational opportunities. Despite being in a state of war, we are committed to realizing these aspirations.