After the many violent incidents lately, Weapon Salesmen at Jihana Cry: “WE DON’T WANT THIS TO CONTINUE ANY MORE!” [Archives:1999/35/Reportage]

The popular tradition of bearing arms is a problem that continues to survive despite all of the government’s efforts during so many years to curb it, at least within Sana’a, the capital and the main towns of Yemen. All these efforts went in vain because “quick and solemn” can not uproot old habits and traditions that have been established for decades in the collective consciousness of the people. And because the tradition of bearing arms in Yemen is time-honored, arms has become nearly a part of any Yemeni. This habit resulted from the tribal life in Yemen; many Yemenis consider arms a part of their costume and the symbol of manhood. It is also the efficient mean for a man to protect himself and his family against any aggression. The availability of the arms markets in Yemen helped the spread of arms among Yemenis. These markets are mostly located near the borders between Yemen and neighboring countries. The most famous market is that of “Al-Talh”, at which all kinds of arms are available from pistols to heavy guns,rocket launchers, spare parts of tanks and wireless communications. 
Jihana, a small town located 30 minutes by car, south east of Sana’a, is another arms market visited by Yemen Times. Jihana was much more prosperous in the past. Trade in arms seems to be decreasing. Some shops have transferred to other kinds of commerce such as vehicles, spare parts and food stuffs. But the trade in arms is still a characteristic of this town. There are stores for whatever kinds of arms are demanded; but only light weapons are exhibited in shops. 
When Yemen Times visited Jihana, it was very difficult to interview arms traders there. They were all suspicious about the intentions behind our questions on different kinds of arms. My companion started to fear when traders refused to be photographed. But usual tribal magnanimity and knightly conduct of Yemeni tribes prevailed, especially when we told them that we want to only forward the facts to our readers, only then did their opinions on how to curb the tradition of bearing arms in Yemen begin. We told them also that we want every body to know weapons have a very unique and special status in Yemeni society. By the end of the day, we had the following interesting interviews with arms traders. 
Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Al-Jabri 
“For Yemeni men – and Tribal men to be more exact – arms are the most important part of our dress. But in the more recent number of years it seems the tribes have stopped buying heavy arms, because of the difficult economic situation which seems to have affected the people’s purchasing powers, arms trade has decreased a lot in Jihana and many traders moved into food stuffs. Many tourists come to Jihana and take pictures for themselves with us and some of them try some arms. They feel safe with us. It is true there is nothing to frighten them here. What is happening here is the selling of arms, which was practiced by Yemenis for decades. If the government is keen on finding an optimal solution for this problem, it will have to close all sources of imported arms and to buy those which we have. We are ready to cooperate in this regard with the government.”
Mr. Abdulwahed Ahmed Albaridah 
“When tensions rise between tribes, arm sales and especially, heavy arm sales increase. But nowadays, there are no tribal wars as in the past, so arms trade has deteriorated. Sometimes, we have to rent arms on marriages and other festivals during which the use of live ammunition and bullets is considered necessary as an expression of delight and happiness. The increase in young peoples consciousness helped in putting limits to this phenomenon, and this is a good beginning. Time is needed although, long habits can not be dismissed in a day. We have moved into food trade, and also make some light deals in arms. 
In the Jihana market, different kinds of arms are sold. They are mainly brought from Al-Talh market. Arms used to come in the past from Mareb and from Al-Buqa’, in Saada. After the 1994 war, Adenese people brought many arms. They sold arms which were hidden during the war. Some others come from Hadhramout. Checkpoints are not a problem for us. As for my opinion, well, the spread of arms is becoming dangerous. It is also uncivilized to bear arms. But our circumstances force us into dealing in arms. Many children get killed or injured while playing with arms. I think the youths should make an example. They shouldn’t imitate old behaviors of their forefathers who believed that it is a shame for a man to be unarmed, or that such a man is a coward. I think education and information have an important role in this process.”
Mohammed Salah 
“Arms trading is just like the other kinds of trading. The Jihana tribe is an important tribe due to its location between Khawlan and Marib. Presently, arms trading has slown down because the number of problems between the tribes has decreased. This trading is no longer a profitable one, we are now practicing it just to earn our living.”
Saleh Al-Azazy 
“The tribesman looks at the gun as part of him. Its cost and quality form a source of pride for him wherever he goes. Some people say that arms means destruction. These people have ignored the fact that they are used for self-protection. In addition, they help their owners when they are in need of money. The solution in my opinion is not the withdrawal of all kinds of arms. It is enough to withdraw the heavy weapons because they are the source of all the problems.”
Mobarak Mutahar 
“If the state is really sincere in its desire to solve this problem, it must stop its sources. Everyday, we witness the appearance of new kinds of guns and ammunition. I repeat it again that the only solution to this problem is the closing down of these markets. 
The various point of views we have heard from the arms traders lead us to one conclusion, that the spread of this trade threatens the future of Yemen. However, the solution can not be found in a short time. It should take place gradually and the start should be with the heavy weapons.”
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