Barran Press
On the evening of September 25, 2024, Major General Sultan Al-Arada, a member of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council and Governor of Marib, underscored the need for the council and government to confront their responsibilities in light of the actions of the Houthi group, which is internationally recognized as a terrorist organization. He lamented the group's role in what he described as the "collapse of the state and values, and the destruction of what was built during the September 26 Revolution."
Al-Arada commented during a wide-ranging meeting that included Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, several ministers, and local leaders in Marib, located in northeastern Yemen, as reported by the official Yemeni news agency, Saba.
"We must acknowledge our responsibilities as a Presidential Council, government, and people in the face of the Houthi militia's actions, which have undermined state institutions, cultural values, social fabric, identity, heritage, economy, and every achievement of the revolution and the republic," he stated.
The meeting focused on the latest developments in military, security, humanitarian, and developmental conditions in Marib while discussing ways to enhance coordination between various state apparatuses at both central and local levels to address ongoing challenges.
Discussion points included essential measures impacting citizens' livelihoods, particularly in health, education, and humanitarian aspects, and strategies to encourage private sector investments. The meeting also reviewed the current state of combat fronts and the conditions of those stationed there, along with efforts to bolster security and stability.
Al-Arada highlighted the urgent need of Marib to tackle the challenges faced by its population, which has exceeded three million residents, accommodating over 62% of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Yemen and 76% of those in liberated provinces.
He welcomed the visit of Prime Minister bin Mubarak and his accompanying delegation, which coincides with the significant occasion of the 62nd anniversary of the September 26 Revolution. The visit aimed to assess the province's needs and its overall humanitarian, developmental, and administrative situation.
The governor pointed out the humanitarian needs in the liberated provinces and the pressure on services due to the increasing number of displaced individuals, acknowledging the local authorities' efforts to address these challenges and coordinate with the government to improve services in health, education, electricity, water, and security.
Al-Arada commended the government's attention to the difficult humanitarian and living conditions resulting from the economic decline caused by the Houthi militia, as well as the significant reduction in the role of humanitarian partners due to funding shortages. This, he noted, has increased the burden on provinces like Marib in meeting local needs with limited resources and budgets dating back to 2014.
Attendees at the meeting included ministers of finance, interior, water and environment, industry and trade, electricity and energy, as well as the director of the Prime Minister's office and other key officials.
Earlier that day, Prime Minister bin Mubarak arrived in Marib alongside ministers from various departments to assess the province's situation and participate in celebrations marking the anniversaries of the Yemeni revolutions in September, October, and November.