Conflict in Yemen transforms the lives of long-marginalised Muhamasheen minority

Conflict in Yemen transforms the lives of long-marginalised Muhamasheen minority Submitted by MEE correspondent on Mon, 07/27/2026 - 09:44 Joining the front lines offers a financial boost for Yemeni group long oppressed by caste-like system Members of Yemen's minority group the Muhamasheen - the 'Marginalised' – at a slum in the capital Sanaa on 4 July 2020 (Mohammed Huwais/AFP) Off It is common in Yemen for people to inherit their professions from their fathers, especially those without formal education, who enter the workforce at an early age. Ridhwan Raweh, 28, inherited the craft of shoe polishing from his father. For over 13 years, every morning was the same for Raweh: carrying an old bag packed with worn shoes, a small hammer, and polishing supplies, he would head to the market.

Sitting on the street with shoes arranged before him, he began his daily routine. Raweh belongs to the Muhamasheen – literally "the marginalised" – an ethnic and social minority in Yemen who have long endured caste-like discrimination, extreme poverty and social isolation. For generations, rigid social barriers have relegated the Muhamasheen to low-wage, informal jobs such as street cleaning and shoe repair.

While this work allowed Raweh to earn enough to marry and support his three children, he felt it wasn't enough to provide food while his family continued to live under a flimsy plastic sheet, without running water, electricity, proper roofs to block the rain, or walls to offer basic dignity. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Most Muhamasheen live in slums made of makeshift shelters, but Raweh was determined to give his family a better life. "I grew up in a home that was defined by suffering, and I always hoped to change things for my family," Raweh told Middle East Eye.

"But it was difficult: my work barely put food on the table, and sometimes even that was impossible." Fighting for a better life Raweh noticed that many young people around him, both from the Muhamasheen community and other Yemenis, were joining different battlefronts. Many sought out specific units where fighters received high salaries paid in Saudi Arabian riyals or US dollars. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “Many of my customers, relatives, and even shop owners in the market closed their businesses and joined the fight along the Saudi border against the Houthis,” Rawe…