Yemen: Houthi rebels Subject female beggars in Sana'a to sectarian mobilization

Yemen Online

31-01-2025

In recent days, the Houthi militia in Yemen has subjected dozens of beggar women and homeless women in the capital, Sana'a, to sectarian indoctrination programs as part of their comprehensive campaign targeting all segments of society in their controlled areas.
Around 70 women and girls were forced to participate in these indoctrination activities under the supervision of a so-called "National Program for Combating Begging" and the "Bonyan Foundation," which is an intelligence arm disguised as a humanitarian organization led by Houthi leader Mohammed Al-Madani.
The Houthis conducted a campaign to gather beggar women from the streets of Sana'a, bringing them to specific locations for indoctrination. This step comes amid a growing number of beggars in Sana'a due to the dire living conditions and lack of livelihood.
Residents in Sana'a have expressed discontent with the Houthis' actions, accusing them of exploiting beggars for sectarian purposes and confiscating part of the money they receive from alms.
Despite widespread discontent, the Houthis continue to ignore their responsibility to find real solutions to the begging phenomenon.
Some beggar women shared their grievances, stating they were misled into participating in what they were told were economic support programs but were instead subjected to sectarian indoctrination.