A widening tribal mobilization, dubbed "Nakf Al-Karama" (Dignity Uprising), in Yemen's Jouf province, led by Sheikh Hamad bin Rashid bin Fadgham Al-Hazmi, is reportedly unsettling the Houthi militia and highlighting escalating internal political rifts. What began as a dispute over property ownership has evolved into a significant tribal and political crisis, exposing the fragility of the Houthi group's relationship with the tribes, a traditional pillar of its power in northern Yemen.
Sources indicate that the tribal "Nakf" movement in Jouf is rapidly expanding, with tribes from northern and southern governorates joining in support of Sheikh Hamad bin Fadgham. This growing tribal backing, leveraging the Sheikh's social standing and influence, has raised concerns within the Houthi ranks, prompting them to increase their security and military presence in several districts.
The impact of this tribal mobilization is not confined to the field; it has reportedly reverberated within the Houthi structure itself. Disagreements among Houthi leaders are said to be intensifying, with a narrow circle around leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi allegedly monopolizing political, security, and military affairs, while marginalizing prominent field and ideological commanders. This dynamic has deepened internal divisions within the group.
Amidst these developments, Houthi-aligned arms dealer Faris Manaa made his first media appearance, attempting to defuse the controversy. Manaa denied any connection to Mira Saddam Hussein and asserted that he rented the villa in dispute through a contract issued by the Houthi-controlled "Judicial Guardian" after events in December 2017. He criticized Sheikh bin Fadgham's call for a tribal uprising as an unjustified escalation, suggesting the matter could have been resolved through tribal mediation or the judiciary. Manaa also accused the Sheikh of sending individuals to his residence, calling it a violation of his home's sanctity.
Conversely, Sheikh Hamad bin Fadgham refuted Manaa's claims, stating that Manaa rejected mediation efforts by 22 tribal leaders, including relatives. Sheikh bin Fadgham reiterated that his sole demand is the release of Mira Saddam Hussein and vowed to continue "Nakf Al-Karama" at Al-Rayan plains in Jouf until this demand is met. He warned that continued detention would lead to further escalation.
In a significant shift, local sources reported that tribal groups previously participating in Houthi counter-mobilizations have joined Sheikh bin Fadgham's supporters. This transition suggests a diminishing Houthi ability to control the tribal base, which has long been crucial for consolidating their influence. The situation in Jouf is characterized by increasing polarization as tribes continue to flock to the "Nakf Al-Karama" sites, facing counter-mobilizations by the Houthi group. Concerns are mounting over the potential for a wider confrontation if mutual escalation persists.
Observers suggest that the security alert in Houthi-controlled areas is not solely linked to the tribal crisis but also reflects growing economic and livelihood pressures. Additionally, the group is reportedly anxious about any changes that could pave the way for a comprehensive political settlement ending the conflict, a scenario they perceive as a direct threat to their political and military agenda. While current indicators do not suggest an imminent shift in the balance of power, the expansion of "Nakf Al-Karama" and the emerging divisions within the Houthi movement point to a growing strain in the relationship between the group and the tribes, potentially posing more complex challenges for the Houthis in the future if tensions persist and rejection widens within their traditional base.
