In these immensely complex and challenging times, as we approach the eighth anniversary of the peaceful youth revolution, which began with the radiant morning of February 11, 2011, we stand with the Yemeni people.
Amidst the hopes and sorrows that this commemoration holds, it serves as a resounding testament that the spirit of people remains indomitable, and that genuine and courageous leaps can ignite transformative change.
O great Yemeni people,
The February peaceful revolution was not a mere indulgence or recklessness. It was, in fact, a vital national imperative aimed at addressing the systemic imbalances and turmoil that plagued the government, affecting the lives of Yemeni citizens and undermining the political landscape. It shattered hopes for democracy, social justice, and good governance.
The February revolution was a glorious embodiment of the principle that the people are the rightful owners and source of power. It served as a deterrent against any tampering with the constitution and laws that could have perpetuated individual rule and power inheritance. The Council today, as we commemorate this grand dream, is aware of the changing dynamics of the current stage.
We closely observe with concern the negative transformations that have deviated from the revolutionary path, hindering the Yemeni people's aspirations to build their state. This has been a result of the negligence of some partners and the antagonistic stance of others, which has inadvertently strengthened the counter-revolutionary forces and undermined the people's hopes for change and the outcomes of the national dialogue and the political consensus it represented. These events were meant to mark the conclusion of the transitional process, enabling the masses of the Yemeni people to exercise their right to choose their leaders and approve the constitution.
Despite the strife and division Yemen has experienced as a consequence of the coup, which in turn necessitated regional and international interventions that further exacerbated the tragedy, the Yemeni people remain resolute in their determination to reclaim their aspirations and establish a sovereign national state that encompasses the entirety of Yemeni territory.
On this occasion, the Council reaffirms its rejection of armed coups, a principle exemplified by the peaceful nature of the youth revolution that bravely endured its wounds while maintaining its peaceful character, with the aim of solidifying the principle of peaceful power transition and establishing a free and democratic Yemen that adheres to the ballot boxes rather than the logic of force, weapons, and the desire for monopolizing wealth and governance.
The Council also seizes this opportunity to vehemently reject the occupation of Yemeni cities and islands and the subsequent support provided to illegal militias and authorities in the liberated areas. This deliberate policy pursued by the Saudi-Emirati coalition aims to dismantle the Yemeni nation from its core or, at the very least, hinder its resurgence. In this context, the Council considers the Houthi militia as an integral part of this ongoing aggression against the Yemeni people. The facts have shown that the Houthis serve as a hindrance to those who aspire to a prosperous homeland, and their agenda is detrimental to Yemen's progress and development.
The Council, realizing the growing dangers facing Yemen, is confident that the Yemenis will prevail in their battle against the Imamate and its arrogant project, against the armed groups and their terrorist logic, and against the internal and external counter-revolutionary forces that are betting on despair taking over the hearts of the people, and making them accept any solutions that achieve their goals, a bet that will not last long, as the February Revolution has turned into a human, civilizational, cultural and political resistance that will not accept any form of rule that does not conform to what the February Revolution proposed and what the draft federal constitution accomplished.
Long live the February Revolution!
Glory and eternal rest for the martyrs!
Healing for the wounded!
Freedom for the kidnapped!
Victory for Yemen!
Issued by:
Peaceful Revolution Youth Council
February 11, 2019