On Wednesday, a team of members from the NDC’s National Issues and Transitional Justice Working Group was provided with an analysis of the situation of a special security forces unit which is stationed at Aden governorate’s Sawlaban Camp.
Security Forces Chief Abdul Hafiz Al-Saqqaf stated that the camp required a complete rehabilitation. In particular, he spoke about infrastructural and personnel training needs.
The camp houses 4,000 soldiers, most of whom are charged with guarding governmental organizations, private organizations, banks and military and security camps in Aden governorate.
The NDC team toured the camp and inspected the soldiers’ living quarters, workshops, and detention facilities for soldiers who violate the camp’s rules. The NDC members were also given a description of how violators are punished.
In Aden, a team from the Independence of Special Entities Working Group participated in meetings with officials from the office of the Supreme Commission for Elections and Referendums and with representatives of workers and various political parties.
Government and party officials also delivered presentations on insecurity, the impact of centralized power as exercised by the authorities in Sana’a and insufficient basic services, including frequent power outages.
Team leader Nadia Al-Kawkabani urged those in attendance to put political disputes aside when speaking about problems in Aden.
“The main purpose of NDC field visits is for teams to receive help in making decisions on key issues, decisions which will affect the nature of inclusions in Yemen’s new constitution,” she said.
Separately, a team from the Development Working Group met with officials from labor and public works, planning, finance, telecommunications, land and real estate, and tax offices.
The officials delivered presentations on challenges which their offices face and many also demanded that the outcomes of the National Dialogue include assurances that key government institutions will be independent and free from outside interference.
They also placed a spotlight on insecurity and the deteriorating state of Yemen’s electricity, sanitation, water and health services.
