In a deeply human scene that rekindled hope amid the scars of war, the hall of the Abductees’ Mothers Association in Taiz hosted, over two consecutive days, two dialogue sessions as part of the Al-Sarari Community Dialogue and Reconciliation Initiative. The initiative was implemented under the project “Supporting Peace in Yemen through Accountability, Reconciliation, and Knowledge Exchange”, in partnership with the Abductees’ Mothers Association, SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties, and DT Institute.
The sessions brought together a wide range of tribal leaders, community figures, academics, local officials, and representatives of civil society organizations, alongside active participation from youth and women. Participants discussed the roots of conflict in the region and explored ways to strengthen justice and community reconciliation, affirming that Al-Sarari can overcome its painful past and move forward toward a future of coexistence and peace.
Day One: Understanding the Present and Shaping the Path Ahead
The first day began with welcoming remarks from the project organizers, who emphasized that dialogue is a vital entry point for positive change. The goal of the session, they explained, was to analyze the roots of the crisis and establish practical foundations for achieving local peace. Held under the theme “From painful memory to a shared future,” the session focused on the intellectual, social, political, and economic causes that have contributed to the erosion of social cohesion in the area.
Intellectual and Sectarian Roots of Division
Participants discussed the intellectual and sectarian transformations Al-Sarari has experienced over the past two decades, identifying them as key drivers of community fragmentation. They noted that sectarian and political loyalties have often replaced national belonging, deepening internal polarization. “Al-Sarari was once a model of coexistence,” one participant said. “But imported extremist rhetoric has altered people’s consciousness and created rifts among neighbors.”
Social and political factors
Discussions highlighted the weakening of state institutions and the decline of traditional leadership structures since 2015, which created a social and security vacuum exploited by multiple actors to expand their influence. “The absence of state authority and the breakdown of customary law,” one speaker noted, “have dismantled the community’s social fabric and exposed it to division.”
Economic Challenges
The session also examined the deteriorating economic and living conditions, rising unemployment among youth, restricted mobility, and the collapse of education and health services. These hardships have deepened frustration and despair, driving some individuals into conflict as a means of survival.
Stories of Loss and Resilience
Participants shared powerful personal testimonies about the human toll of war in Al-Sarari, from the loss of loved ones to the destruction of homes and livelihoods. “Al-Sarari lost its sons and its houses were reduced to rubble,” one woman said with sorrow. “All we have left is hope, that safety will return as it once was.”
Recommendations and Outcomes
The day concluded with several key recommendations:
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Forming a community reconciliation committee representing all parties.
• Activating psychosocial and community counseling programs.
• Rehabilitating damaged schools, health centers, and roads.
• Compensating victims and reaffirming justice as a cornerstone of reconciliation.
Participants agreed that true peace is not built through decrees, but through mutual trust — and that justice remains the foundation of any lasting reconciliation.
Day Two: Shaping Solutions and a Community Charter for Peace
The second day continued in an atmosphere of optimism and determination to transform the previous day’s discussions into concrete steps. The session focused on implementation mechanisms and sustainable community initiatives that could promote reconciliation and rebuild social cohesion.
Closing Old Wounds and Building Trust
Participants stressed that Al-Sarari needs a courageous internal reconciliation; one that transcends past wounds and opens new horizons for coexistence. They emphasized that reconciliation cannot be imposed from outside, but must arise from the collective will of the people themselves, through individual and community initiatives that restore trust and foster safety.
A Shared Community Vision
The dialogue underlined the importance of uniting local efforts and engaging youth and women in development processes. Participants noted that accurate data and field studies form the basis for any effective intervention, and called for harnessing the expertise of academics and professionals from Al-Sarari to lead community initiatives in education, health, and infrastructure.
Reconciliation Committee and Community Charter
The participants agreed on a set of practical outcomes, most notably:
• Forming a joint reconciliation committee representing all parties and neighboring villages.
• Drafting a Community Charter of Honor — a pledge to renounce violence and promote tolerance and coexistence.
• Coordinating efforts with local authorities to implement the outcomes and follow up on unresolved issues.
A representative of the Abductees’ Mothers Association noted that successful experiences in other areas of Taiz resulted from strong cooperation between local communities and authorities, stressing that such collaboration will also be key to Al-Sarari’s success.
Conclusion: Al-Sarari Begins a New Chapter
The two days of dialogue concluded with a shared conviction that what was achieved marks the true beginning of a long journey toward trust, reconciliation, and community justice.
Participants affirmed their belief that the people of Al-Sarari can transform their suffering into a national example of grassroots peacebuilding. “We will not wait for others to make peace for us,” one participant declared. “We will make it ourselves — because we are the ones who have endured the pain of war and understand the value of peace.” Organizers emphasized that these sessions are not the end of the initiative, but rather the starting point for a new phase of justice, reconciliation, and sustainable development in the region.
