The Peaceful Revolution Youth Council diligently tracked the government's recent approval, under the leadership of Maeen Abdul Malik, regarding the sale of the "Aden Net" company to the Emirati entity NX.

Regrettably, this decision flagrantly disregarded established procedures, giving rise to grave concerns over the significant risks it presents, posing a direct threat to national security and exacerbating the erosion of our nation's sovereignty. The Council unequivocally perceives this transaction as a poignant manifestation of the persistent state of dispossession endured by both the internationally recognized government and Yemeni political forces. In light of these disconcerting developments, it is of utmost importance to underscore the following salient points:
1. The ruling elites' nonchalant attitude towards the sale of the communications sector, which is a critical sovereign resource with significant strategic and security implications, exposes their incompetence and indifference towards safeguarding national security, upholding sovereignty, and making responsible decisions.
2. The act of transferring citizens' data to a non-national party, particularly a state notorious for its surveillance practices targeting politicians and activists in Yemen and globally, constitutes an unparalleled hostile act. This act is further compounded by its ongoing support for affiliated militias, establishment of detention centers and prisons on Yemeni soil, and the unlawful detention of Yemeni citizens without proper authorization.
3. The unfair nature of this deal, along with others like it, that overlook the interests of the Yemeni people, highlights the circumstances in which Yemen lacks the right to make decisions. Consequently, anything approved under the guise of the legitimate government is deemed null and illegitimate due to the ongoing state of war and the prevalent external influence on the decision-making process of most statesmen.
4. The Council's principled stance does not hinder its ability to shed light on the inherent frailty of the arguments presented, whether they are made in good faith or with ill intentions. The assertion that the army and armed factions require this deal to combat the Houthi forces lacks a solid basis, as it is widely recognized that military forces and armed groups operate independent communication networks with private frequencies, distinct from civilian communications.
The assertion that Yemen needs an independent telecommunications company, separate from Houthi control, seems to be a diversionary claim intended to mask the failures of the government and its predecessors in regaining control of the telecommunications infrastructure from the Houthis and addressing the ongoing military conflicts. This claim advocates for patchwork and submissive measures that effectively fragment state institutions, with the north under Houthi authority and the south under Emirati-backed militias, gradually leading to the country being sold off to occupiers and the covetous.
The government has neglected to enforce obligations on these companies to establish central facilities in Aden and Mukalla, as well as to establish connections with sovereign devices and facilitate the transfer of engineers and company management to Aden. It is worth noting that the government could have easily assumed control over all fiber optic outlets, including those in the Hodeidah province, prior to its sudden withdrawal in late 2021, without any justifiable rationale. Among the manifestations of this government's negligence and inaction is its disregard for collecting the millions of dollars owed to Yemen by international telecommunications companies, as well as its failure to implement decisive actions concerning the sale of MTN by the terrorist Houthi militia towards the end of 2021.
5. This particular deal exemplifies a concerning disregard for Yemen's interests, indicating a dereliction of responsibility and national duty by the parties involved. The act of transferring Yemenis' data to an external entity carries significant implications, warranting the necessity for personnel dismissals and legal measures. It extends beyond mere corruption allegations and encompasses the more severe accusation of betrayal.
6. The deal not only has political implications that undermine Yemen's sovereignty and national security, but it also highlights the government's inability to effectively manage and control the project due to the deal's nature. Furthermore, the agreement is tainted by unprecedented violations, starting with corrupt tender procedures that lacked fair competition and resembled clandestine activities carried out by mafia-like groups. These violations even extended to the deliberate concealment of the agreement's contents from ministers and parliamentarians.
7. Given the unprecedented situation where the external partner acquires a larger proportion of the contribution than the national side in a sovereign project related to the country's national defense, this agreement can be categorized as an act of submission to the occupier.
Hence, this agreement and vehemently resisting it embodies a rightful and accountable national position. There is no doubt that this deal, along with other dubious agreements in sectors such as oil, electricity, and more, will eventually crumble. Anything built upon falsehood is bound to be rendered null and void in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions, as well as the will of the Yemeni people.
In conclusion, the Council reaffirms its supportive and aligned stance with the popular and national sentiment rejecting this political and ethical scandal. The Council also expresses its astonishment at the positions of certain political factions that persistently engage in betraying the nation and opportunism by aligning themselves with the UAE, its militias, and their destructive projects at the expense of the Yemeni state, its unity, institutions, army, and sovereignty.
Issued by:
Peaceful Revolution Youth Council
Sunday, September 17, 2023