A national project in South Yemen can take inspiration from the Malaysian model in establishing political alliances representing the desert, mountain, and coastal communities. It can learn from the Swiss model how to adopt a decentralized system which respects diversity. 

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Wahbi Al-Naqib (South24 Center)

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With its long history as well as its geographical and cultural diversity, South Yemen is considered one of the most distinctive areas in the Arabian Peninsula. This diversity includes vast deserts, rugged mountains, and a rich coastline. This natural diversity hasn’t been merely a geographic background but also a decisive factor in shaping local communities, their customs, traditions, interests, and way of thinking. Therefore, understanding and managing this diversity has become a cornerstone to guaranteeing stability and social integration.

 

Al-Hassan Bin Ahmed Al Hamdani points to the human and cultural diversity of South Yemen where the inhabitants follow varied lifestyles including among the shepherds, farmers, and merchants. This diversity is seen even in the terrain between plains, valleys, mountains, and deserts [1], which is a factor that attracts different communities. This also denotes their ability to cope with different environments. South Yemen has witnessed big political vicissitudes, starting from the British colonization in the 19th Century till the Yemeni unity in 1990 and then the wars in 1994 and 2015. These developments left an impact on the social identity, but they haven't erased the deep-ـrooted diversity among its communities.[2]

 

The desert communities are characterized by strong nature as they are impacted by the harshness of the desert environment. The general behavior of these communities reflects tribal values such as generosity, valor, and land protection. Their customs and traditions are linked to the Bedouin lifestyle such as poetic celebrations of events and traditional dances. Their interests are focused on maintaining their local sovereignty.[3] These communities are practical in nature and realistic. They rely on quick solutions and adapt to harsh circumstances, and focus on their tribal alliances as a basis of social organization. The general behavior in the mountain areas is characterized by steadfastness and adherence to agricultural and tribal customs. These communities live in scattered villages between the mountains. This enhances the spirit of self-sufficiency and of defending their lands. Their traditions include celebrating harvest seasons and marriage ceremonies accompanied by collective rituals that reflect social solidarity. Their interests revolve around agriculture as well as maintaining security in their areas. However, these communities rely on customary laws that govern the relationships between individuals and groups, with focus on honor and tribal affiliations. In the case of the coastal communities, they are characterized by their relative openness due to the historical interaction with the sea and foreign trade. Their conduct reflects flexibility and adaptability to maritime and civil life. They are also characterized by some traditional historical heritage. For example, in Socotra, their unique traditions include poetry recited in the Socotri language and dances linked to nature. Al-Mahra maintains a cultural identity influenced by the neighboring country Oman. It has a relatively practical nature and a tendency to cooperate with the outside to improve the living conditions. 

 

The community diversity witnessed in South Yemen with all its different behaviors, customs, and interests constitutes a challenge as well as an opportunity. Managing this diversity as part of a comprehensive national project to build a state requires a deep understanding of these peculiarities. This is in addition to an inclusive vision which invests in the historical and social links of the people to create a unified identity that respects the diversity and enhances stability. 

 

The diversity prevalent in South Yemen with differences in behavior, traditions, interests, and also in the way of thinking between desert, mountain, and coastal communities can become a hotbed of tensions if not managed carefully. This diversity, which reflects a long history of geographical isolation and tribal independence, may lead to prioritizing local interests over the general national ones. For instance, the desert communities, which depend on tribal values and commerce, may find it difficult to merge within the structure of a centralized state which imposes unified laws contradicting their traditional customs. Likewise, the mountain communities with their conservative nature and their focus on honor and defending land may resist any attempt to impose an external authority that doesn't respect their local identity. Lebanese historian Amin Al-Rihani, who visited South Arabia in the 1920s, described the customs of the tribes with which he stayed. He noted that each tribe lives as a small independent country, protecting its borders and running its affairs away from any centralized power. This marked diversity in identities can turn into a conflict if a centralized authority imposes forced unity without taking into consideration these peculiarities. This can lead to territorial or tribal conflicts threatening stability.[4]

 

On the other hand, this diversity can be a source of strength if it is managed intelligently as part of a comprehensive national project.

 

 Desert communities, with their business skills and historical connections, can contribute to a thriving economy based on trade and accumulated expertise. Mountain communities, with their agricultural capabilities and fighting spirit, can be a pillar of food security and national defense. The coastal communities, with their openness, maritime experience, and diverse cultures, can be a unifying factor which absorbs different identities. To achieve this kind of ideal statehood, the hoped-for nation should have a decentralized governing system which respects the local characteristics along with providing a platform for dialogue between these varied communities to forge a common identity.

 

Britisher WH Ingrams, who worked in Aden during the colonial era, said [5] that the tribes in Hadramout and Lahij were able to cooperate in a fruitful way when they felt that their interests were being respected. However, according to him, they turned hostile when an external authority was imposed on them. This shows that success lies in striking a balance between respecting the local sentiments for autonomy and building national unity.

 

The former regimes in South Yemen, whether during the Socialist governance of the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen or after the unity with North Yemen have failed to recognize or manage this diversity, leading to many destructive conflicts. The January 13, 1986, incidents which witnessed bloody fighting between the Socialist Party leaders in Aden are considered a stark example of this failure. The conflict, which killed thousands and displaced tens of thousands, was a direct result of regionalism and competition among leaders from different governorates. The political disputes turned into an internal civil war. The Socialist regime tried to impose a unified centralized model on a multicultural people. It ignored the territorial and tribal divisions which got exacerbated due to the discriminatory policies followed in sharing of power and wealth. This neglect led to the collapse of the trust between communities, sowing the seeds of divisions that mushroomed into conflicts that continue till today. It can be said that the 1986 incidents weren’t a mere power struggle but also represented the accumulation of tensions among Southern communities who felt that their identity and interests were being threatened. This failure in embracing diversity led to the collapse of the Southern Socialist regime, leaving social and political scars that are still present.

 

Analyzing the failure of former regimes shows that imposing unity by force or ignoring community diversity will inevitably lead to turmoil. However, a future inclusive national project can take inspiration from these lessons by adopting participatory policies that ensure the representation of all social entities in decision making. In another testimony, historian Amin Al-Rihani said: “The tribes I visited were negotiating and cooperating in major events including markets and defending joint territories.”[7] This means that cooperation is possible in the case of building trust and providing channels for dialogue. It can be said that the community diversity in South Yemen is a double-edged weapon, whether a source of worry and conflict like what happened in the past or a momentum for building a stable and prosperous country if it is managed well. 

 

If we look at examples to extract lessons, Malaysia is known for managing community diversity. The Malaysian society consists of three main ethnic groups: Malays, Chinese, and Indians, in addition to other minorities [8]. This is along with its religious diversity including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Malaysia witnessed ethnic tensions in the 1960s, especially the riots between Malays and Chinese on May 13, 1969 due to economic and political discrepancies.[9] However, the Malaysian regime was able to transform diversity from a source of tension into a momentum through well-studied policies following these events. In 1971, a new economic policy in Malaysia was launched to address poverty and redistribute wealth among ethnic groups.[10] The reforms in Malaysia included the fair political representation which produced the establishment of the National Front through an alliance which included parties representing different ethnicities. As a result, Malaysia has witnessed political stability and remarkable economic growth over the past decades, making it one of the most powerful economies in Asia.

 

Nigeria is the most densely populated African country. It includes more than 250 ethnic groups, the most prominent of which are the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo. This is in addition to religious divisions between Muslims and Christians. Historically, Nigeria has suffered ethnic and religious conflicts, the most prominent of which is the civil war known as ’Biafran War‘ (1967-1970) in which more than one million people were killed due to an attempt by the Igbo to secede. Nonetheless, Nigeria has been relatively successful in managing its diversity through a federal system, and by granting autonomy to the 36 states. This has allowed management of this diversity and maintaining the unity of the country. It has relied upon the “ethnic balance” policy in distributing government positions and resources. Thus, Nigeria has succeeded in turning its diversity into a source of economic power thanks to its oil resources and cultural diversity. This success is evident in its political stability after 1999. The Nigerian economy is currently among the strongest in Africa.[11]

 

Globally, Switzerland is a prominent example for managing diversity. It has four main language groups - German, French, Italian, and Romansh. This is in addition to religious division between Catholics and Protestants. Switzerland has managed to achieve stability through a confederal system which gives the cantons (provinces) broad autonomy in education, taxation, and culture, along with a centralized government that depends on the consensus among parties. Therefore, linguistic and cultural diversity hasn’t been an obstacle but a basis for a strong democratic system. This pattern demonstrates how decentralized governance can turn diversity into a pillar of stability.[12]

 

In contrast, the former Yugoslavia is considered a striking example of the failure to manage diversity. It included six republics -- Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Macedonia - and multiple ethnic groups such as Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks. This is along with religious diversity represented in Orthodox, Catholics, and Muslims. During Josip Broz Tito's Communist rule, ethnic tensions were forcefully suppressed by the centralized authority. However, after his death in 1980, divisions worsened due to the lack of a unified vision and discriminatory policies. In the 1990s, Yugoslavia collapsed as a result of bloody civil wars (1991-1995) that killed tens of thousands, especially in Bosnia. The regime’s failure to respect diversity in Yugoslavia, and imposing a unified identity by force led to the disintegration of the state. This pattern highlights the risks of a repressive central government in a diversified community.[13]

 

Before the independence of South Sudan in 2011, Sudan suffered from a failure to manage its ethnic and religious diversity. The country includes hundreds of tribes and religious divisions represented in Muslims in the north and Christians in the south. Successive governments imposed an Arab-Islamic identity on the south, leading to two civil wars (1955-1972 and 1983-2005) in which hundreds of thousands were killed. Eventually, South Sudan seceded following a referendum. This was an inevitable outcome of the marginalization and discrimination policies against South Sudan, making unity impossible. Diversity turned into a reason for division. This failure highlights the importance of justice in distributing resources and power as a condition to manage diversity.[14]

 

The current Yemeni model regarding the unity between the South and the North is another example of failure. The discriminatory policies against South Yemen’s people in politics, the army, and economy along with the lack of fair distribution of wealth and power led to the eruption of the 1994 war. Later, tensions escalated with the emergence of the peaceful Southern Movement (Hirak) calling for restoration of the former South Yemen state that was in place until 1990. The country has witnessed a wide-scale civil war of a regional nature.[15]

 

Regarding the successful models (Malaysia, Nigeria, Switzerland), we see that decentralization, equitable distribution of resources, and respect for cultural characteristics are the keys to success. Failed models (former Yugoslavia, Sudan, Yemen) show that oppression, discrimination, and the forced imposition of a unified identity leads to collapse.

 

Regarding South Yemen, a national project in South Yemen can be inspired by the Malaysian model in establishing political alliances representing desert, mountain, and coastal communities. It can learn from the Swiss model how to adopt a decentralized system which respects diversity. It should avoid the mistakes of Sudan and Yemen by focusing on social justice to prevent divisions. Managing community diversity isn't impossible but it requires a strategic vision by balancing between pluralism and unity.

 

There has to be a focus on the successful factors contributing to managing diversity in South Yemen. An important factor to turn diversity into power is to guarantee national and fair partnerships in distribution of wealth and economic and political opportunities among desert, mountain, and coastal communities, as the Malaysian model has shown. Otherwise, it can lead to tensions. Recognition of the cultural, linguistic, and social characteristics of each community helps build trust among its components. For example, promoting the Mahri and Socotri languages in local education, along with preserving the tribal traditions as part of national identity, can reduce the feelings of marginalization. Furthermore, education plays a crucial role in building a comprehensive national identity without ignoring diversity. This can be achieved by producing educational programs highlighting the common history of South Yemen, from its ancient civilizations to combating colonialism. This can enhance common values among young people from different regions. Additionally, engaging communities in decision-making via permanent dialogue platforms ensures that all voices are heard, like the Nigerian model of local councils. Moreover, investing in development projects that meet the needs of each region enhances integration.

 

Establishing institutional structures, like a decentralized system, bestows districts with ample powers in managing their local affairs. Meanwhile, a centralized government will be responsible for defense and foreign policy. In South Yemen, the country can be divided into administrative units which reflect geographical and social diversity. This can be attained by establishing several states and a permanent council that would include representatives of different communities to discuss national issues and for settling disputes similar to the ’Nation Council‘ in Malaysia. This is along with a judicial system that combines national laws and tribal customs, and an independent body that monitors revenue distribution. There could be media channels and cultural centers that promote diversity as part of the Southern identity. The expected results would include political and social stability, sustainable economic growth, a strong national identity along with pluralism, avoiding internal conflicts, and international attractiveness for investment and cooperation. The factors of success backed by decentralized and participatory institutional structures can transform diversity into a real source of power, creating a solid basis of a modern country which respects its past and invests in its future. Besides, the diversity should be recognized as being an important and strategic factor. This recognition isn't a mere moral stance but also a practical need to guarantee stability and integration in South Yemen. 

 

Creating a balance is the next move which requires a fair distribution of power and resources among different communities. Without such an equilibrium, calling for Southern unity may turn into a hegemony by one group in a way that can reproduce previous conflicts. 

 

Given that the Southern Transitional Council (STC) is a main political force in South Yemen, it needs to develop its internal structures to become more capable of understanding and managing diversity. Currently, the STC is seen as a bigger representative of the western regions, leading to concerns about hegemony in Hadramout and Al-Mahra. To understand diversity in South Yemen and manage it well, the STC should promote rationality within its structures. It can also expand political representation through the fair participation of representatives from Hadramout, Al-Mahra, and other areas in its leadership bodies in order to have a real impact on its decision-making. It has to build a comprehensive strategic vision inspired from Switzerland and to train its staff in managing cultural diversity.

 

In order to manage diversity a mechanism has to be created to achieve harmony among South Yemen’s governorates by adopting decentralized policies and joint initiatives to boost trust and overcome challenges. The challenges include a territorial mentality, mistrust, and external interventions. Overcoming them requires the presence of rational leaders, recognition of the other, creating a balance, and transcending narrow interests. 

 

The diversity in South Yemen holds huge potential for achieving economic and social power. However, it will turn into a threat if it isn't managed wisely as evident in its history of conflict. The experience of former regimes demonstrates that repression and marginalization lead to the collapse of unity while recognition and participation enhances stability. Success in Malaysia and Switzerland depends on decentralization and justice. On the other hand, the failure in former Yugoslavia, Sudan, and Yemen reflects the pitfalls of hegemony. Accordingly, local forces need rationality to overcome territorial chauvinism and build a comprehensive Southern identity.