The al-akhdam in Yemen…progress?
Yemen’s al-akhdam or “servants” in Arabic have toiled as street sweepers in their country of origin for over 900 years. Thought to have originally come from Ethiopia as soldiers their origins are nevertheless unknown. Many Akhdam possess East African features and are also distinguished by the poor condition of their clothing.
Human rights activists have had little success in Yemen and the heavy handed rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh generally. Add to that the recent Islamist insurgency and the renewed US backing of the Yemeni government, the deadlock persists. Furthermore, the issue seems to completely elude any international media coverage.
The cause of the Akhdam does present a particularly difficult case as they are both Yemeni citizens and members of the Islamic Community. Surely, a change in the current status will have to come from within the Yemeni society.
One of the more recent encouraging reports came in January of this year written by Shuaib M. al-Mosawa. It can be found here: #mce_temp_url#
Comments and debates are welcome.
Tags: al akhdam, Ali Abdullah Saleh, islamists, middle east, middle east affairs, persian gulf, yemen
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