Untitled Agreement [in Yarim, Ibb Governorate]

  • Country/entity
    Yemen
  • Region
    Middle East and North Africa
  • Agreement name
    Untitled Agreement [in Yarim, Ibb Governorate]
  • Date
    21 Oct 2014
  • Agreement status
    Multiparty signed/agreed
  • Interim arrangement
    Yes
  • Agreement/conflict level
    Intrastate/local conflict ( Yemeni Civil Wars (1994) (2011 - ) )
  • Stage
    Pre-negotiation/process
  • Conflict nature
    Inter-group
  • Peace process
    Yemen Inter-group Agreements
  • Parties
    "meeting was held between sheikhs, dignitaries, representatives of political parties, local, military and security authorities, representatives of civil society and representatives of Ansar Allah and the Popular Committees"
  • Third parties
    -
  • Description
    Part of one of a series of agreements between the Houthis and local communities as they were expanding their territorial control in Yemen in 2014. Is arguably a form of surrender agreement on behalf of the local community.

Local agreement properties

  • Process type
    Formal structured process
  • Rationale
    This agreement reflects broader local practices of signing agreements with the Houthis to preserve local areas based on the recognition of public needs and preservation of the community and wider region. There is an increased level of formality to this agreement in comparison to other similar local examples at the time, with the signing meeting being attended and fully supported by an extensive range of societal actors and local civic bodies.The provisions set out are also clearer. The dedicated body of support includes religious representation, local political representation, a presence from the military and security apparatus of the region and broader civil society representation. This agreement also follows a local pattern of urgency in signing, as another example of an agreement between local groups and Ansar allah being made shortly after an intense period of fighting; with a sudden reversal of clear anti-Houthi opposition or sentiment by the local group. In the week before this agreement there was intense fighting between the tribal groups of Yarim and Ansar Allah. A number of key tribal figures, some of whom were also sheikhs, had had their homes targeted. As this group is part of the body upholding the talks, in light of the context, this can be viewed as a strongly led tribal and religious non-state process.
  • Is there a documented link to a national peace process?
    T
  • Link to national process: articulated rationale
    None of the authorities mentioned in the text as supportive of the agreement signing meeting can be clearly identified as being affiliated to the state. The wider peace process is also not specifically mentioned in the text. There is also no further research which indicates a clear structural link to the national peace process.
  • Name of Locale
    Yarim area / city district, Ibb governorate
  • Nature Of Locale
    Region
  • GPS Lat/Long (DD)
    14.296654, 44.375410
  • Participant type
    Local state actor
    Local armed group
    Domestic religious organisation/leader or other elder
    Local community/civilian group(s)/civil society organisations
  • Mediator, facilitator or similar
    Mediator or similar referred to
    Mediator (references)
    There is no clear reference to a mediator or actor playing a supporting role of any kind apart from the wording that the meeting was 'held' by all of the civic groups who attended, supported dialogue and signed.
    Type of mediator/facilitator/similar

Local issues

  • Ritual/prayer and process (including use of scripture)
    Page 1, Untitled Preamble: In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate

    Page 1, With God’s assistance,

    Page 1, God is the guardian of success […].
  • Grievance List
    [Summary] (1) Presence of al-Qaeda; (2) freedom of thought; (3) Ensuring peace and development in the region and all parties condemning a party which attacks another.
  • Cattle rustling/banditry

    No specific mention.

  • Social cover

    No specific mention.

Untitled Agreement [in Yarim, Ibb]

With God’s assistance, the brotherly meeting was held on Tuesday, 21 October.

This meeting was held between sheikhs, dignitaries, representatives of political parties, local, military and security authorities, representatives of civil society and representatives of Ansar Allah and the Popular Committees.

They discussed the current situation in the Yarim region, which faces development and has made it imperative for everyone to sense responsibility towards it and work on what are in the best interests in the region.

The following was agreed upon:

1. Stand up against the subversive elements called ‘al-Qaeda’ as a matter of concern and threat to the security and stability of Yemen, and its unity and social cohesion.

2. Securing the party responsible for the security and the cooperation of all with the Popular Committees.

3. Any party issuing an attack against the other party is considered an enemy of all and everyone must stand against it.

4. Freedom of thought for all

5. This Agreement shall be binding on all parties and signatory parties and shall be open to the accession of any other region for the approval of its provisions.

God is the guardian of success […].

Representatives of Ansar Allah and the Popular Committees.

[22 or more signatories]