As Yemen approaches the seventh anniversary of the peaceful youth revolution on January 15, 2011, held in front of Sana'a University, the country continues to face significant challenges stemming from the September 21, 2014 coup.
This event has resulted in a series of consequences, including war, exclusion, marginalization, external interference, and the erosion of the capabilities of the Yemeni people.
The Peaceful Revolution Youth Council and participants from various backgrounds reiterate the revolution's profound significance and ongoing pursuit of establishing a state rooted in principles of law, individual rights, and public liberties, where government selection is determined freely, independent from external influence or control.
The Council emphasizes that the revolution's core demands are freedom, democracy, and rights for all. Therefore, there is no valid reason for certain individuals to oppose it and downplay its importance, unless their intention is to take Yemen back to a time of oppression, where the people are denied the right to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.
The Council, while recalling the inception of the peaceful youth revolution, emphasizes the following:
Firstly, the Yemeni peaceful revolution that began in mid-January 2011 did not rise against democratic or mature regimes to be opposed, but rather against corrupt and failed regimes that brought the country to the brink of collapse, as witnessed by the whole world.
Secondly, the 2011 peaceful revolution brought hope to Yemenis, who were close to completing the transitional phase through a new constitution and elections. However, Abdullah Saleh's coup, in alliance with a sectarian militia, disrupted this progress and inflicted significant destruction upon Yemen.
Thirdly, we recognize the significance of legitimacy in guiding the country towards a secure and stable future, and as such, we firmly reject any actions that undermine it. In light of this, the Council strongly opposes the reckless approach taken towards groups or individuals that cast doubt on the legitimacy under which Yemenis are fighting against the coup militias. The leniency towards individuals who actively collaborated with the Houthi militia in the process of overthrowing state institutions, including figures from the Saleh family and others, and their continued refusal to recognize legitimacy, without offering any apologies to the Yemeni people for their alliance in undermining state institutions and the resulting significant losses in lives, properties, and the country's infrastructure, is a grave folly. It reflects a persistent insistence on betrayal and collective failure. The Council calls for an investigation into all individuals proven to be involved with the Houthi militia in overthrowing the state, emphasizing the importance of concerted efforts and diligent work to restore legitimacy to the capital, Sana'a, and abide by the pathway and roadmap of the transitional process through the outcomes of the national dialogue, implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216, conducting a constitutional referendum, and subsequently holding elections.
Fourthly, the Council calls upon President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi and his deputy, General Ali Mohsen, to respect the republic and the sacrifices made by the National Army and Popular Resistance. They are urged to promptly rectify wrongful appointments in the army and other state institutions, resume airport and seaport operations, address the deteriorating economy and currency devaluation, tackle security and social concerns, including restrictions on citizens' movement between cities, particularly in Aden. Additionally, the Council emphasizes the need to resolve salary issues for government employees, find solutions for students studying abroad, provide adequate medical care for the injured, and actively work towards preventing humanitarian disasters, containing the spread of diseases, and safeguarding civilians in conflict-affected regions.
Fifthly, the Council stresses the need for thorough investigations into the assassinations of political, civilian, and military figures, as well as clerics in Aden and Hadramout governorates. The perpetrators behind these crimes must be identified and brought to justice. It is crucial to keep the public informed about the investigation outcomes, if any, and to establish a robust security and judicial system in the liberated cities that serves as an effective and exemplary model.
Sixthly, the Council emphasizes the responsibility of the president, deputy, prime minister, ministers, and all officials to prioritize the best interests of Yemen. They must staunchly oppose any threats to the country's unity and the right to counter armed militias operating outside the law. They should assert Yemen's sovereignty over its lands, islands, and international waters, and adopt clear political stances against any actions that undermine its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and political and legal identity.
Lastly, it is crucial to have the legitimate authority present on Yemeni soil in order to prevent the emergence of de facto authorities and avoid future challenges in dealing with them during the battle to overthrow the coup.
Therefore, it is imperative for the President of the Republic to return to Aden, and for the presidency and government to fulfill their responsibilities. They should be granted control over airports, ports, and border crossings. Our aim is not to divide our lands but to reunite them under a single authority represented by the internationally recognized legitimate government, led by President Hadi.
The Council acknowledges the challenges and sensitivity of this stage but shares the belief, along with our resilient people, that our cause is just and will ultimately triumph.
May the martyrs find mercy, the wounded find healing, and may Yemen achieve victory!
Issued by:
Peaceful Revolution Youth Council
January 14, 2018