SILVER LININGTribal Order and Democracy Challenges [Archives:2007/1074/Opinion]
Mohammed Al-Qadhi
Last week, the National Solidarity Council (NSC), a new tribal set-up, kicked off its first meetings. The new tribal congregation led by Hussein al-Ahmer, son of the Hashid tribe chief and parliament speaker, is a real demonstration of the weakening position of the state and the civil society organizations.
It is funny that the congregation has addressed serious issues mainly the rule of law. The tribal Sheikhs who have called for the respect of law are the first people to break law and order. The organizers of the event said their congregation is meant to challenge the fragile position of the state that has incited religious or sectarian sentiments here and there. I wonder how they demand an end to the political, security and economic disorder while their armed bodyguards who spread around the hotel yard and inside demonstrated their complete indifference to law and order. How can such people build a state of law and fight corruption? In fact, the organizers of the congregation are all leading members in their own parties including Hussein al-Ahmer who is a leading figure in the ruling party. I guess if they are serious about reform, they can do it within their own parties.
I understand some tribal Sheikhs have always been a source of headache and have thwarted all efforts meant to build a modern state based on law and order; they have been exercising all sorts of illegal practices including jailing their own citizens in their private jails.
After 17 years of co-existence between the multiparty system and the tribe, the organizers of the new tribal structure are anxious about stronger tribal order that ensures their grip over power. It seems the second generation of the influential tribal figures is more ambitious for further influence which can be attained only through tribal-based formats.
The influence of the tribal leaders should have weakened and even vanished away with the function of the democratic instruments. Unfortunately, the cozy marriage between the political regime and tribe has encouraged them to break law and order and to seek further influence and power. Their influence have been intentionally boosted while political parties are spilt and weakened further, something that has led to the weakening of the state and hampered all attempts to have an institutionalized society.
By and large, the announcement of the new tribal assembly is, in fact, is a real setback and threat to the multiparty system and the civil society we all aspire to boost as the new tribal gathering is trying to revive the tribal sentiments at the expense of democracy. In a democracy, people are treated equally but in such regional assemblies, it is only Sheikhs that remain in power while the citizens are just their subjects. Therefore, such tribal arrangements are a real threat to democracy in the country.
Mohammed Al-Qadhi ([email protected]) is a Yemeni journalist and columnist.
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