German Ambassador: Marib Sets a Positive Example of International Cooperation in Yemen, Tribes Key to Peace Efforts

Just hours before departing Marib, German Ambassador to Yemen Thomas Schneider reflected on his first visit to the governorate, describing a place where resilience, optimism, and cooperation prevail despite years of conflict and displacement. During a tour that included displacement camps, humanitarian projects, meetings with local officials, and discussions with tribal leaders, Schneider said one image remained constant throughout his visit: the smiles of Marib’s residents. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat from the Sabaean-style Bilqis Hotel in Marib City, the ambassador said his visit aimed to express solidarity with the people of Marib and Yemen at a time when the country continues to face significant humanitarian and economic challenges. The German delegation visited a number of humanitarian initiatives, as well as camps hosting internally displaced persons and refugees, to assess local needs and evaluate the impact of programs supported by Germany and its international partners. Schneider said one of the most striking aspects of the visit was the level of coordination between local authorities, international organizations, and UN agencies operating in the governorate. “We witnessed a positive model of cooperation between the Yemeni government and donor countries, and, more importantly, a close partnership between local authorities and UN agencies and organizations,” he said. According to the ambassador, Marib’s experience demonstrates how effective cooperation can create meaningful partnerships among all stakeholders involved in humanitarian and development efforts, making it a model that could be replicated elsewhere in Yemen. Over the course of the conflict, Marib has become Yemen’s largest destination for internally displaced people, hosting successive waves of families fleeing violence across the country. Schneider described the governorate’s response to displacement as one of Yemen’s most notable success stories during the war. “Marib has welcomed large numbers of displaced people from across Yemen, as well as refugees from other countries. This reflects the generosity and humanitarian spirit of its people,” he said. The delegation also met with displaced families, UN representatives, and local officials, discussions that reinforced Schneider’s belief that sustained coordination and dialogue remain essential to addressing Yemen’s complex humanitarian challenges. A key highlight of the visit was the ambassador’s meeting with tribal leaders. Schneider said the discussions offered valuable insight into the role of tribes in Yemeni society and their potential contribution to the country’s future. “Meeting tribal leaders was an extremely important experience. They not only play a social role but also demonstrate a clear political awareness of the challenges facing Yemen,” he said. The ambassador stressed that tribes would be an indispensable part of any credible political process aimed at achieving peace. “I believe tribes will play a pivotal role in any path leading to peace in Yemen. I left this visit convinced that they represent a genuine national asset and an important foundation for future stability,” he added. Despite the hardships caused by war, economic pressures, and displacement, Schneider said he encountered optimism wherever he traveled in Marib. “Everywhere in Marib, I saw smiles despite the difficult circumstances people face. This spirit of optimism and the warm hospitality I received made this visit particularly meaningful,” he said. The ambassador noted that he would share these impressions with his family, colleagues in Berlin, and partners across the European Union and international organizations, describing Marib as an example of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Asked to summarize Marib in just three words, Schneider paused briefly before answering with a smile: “Smile… Coffee… Hospitality.” Three words that, in his view, capture the character of a city that continues to welcome visitors with warmth and optimism while remaining steadfast amid the challenges of war.