The Following piece is written by a Yemeni-based journalist who writes for Foreign Policy Association, and due to serious security concerns, remains anonymous.
On what has been called a “Day of Departure”, Yemeni anti-government protesters gathered on the University ground in their hundreds of thousands, determined to make a stand. Although the memories of last Friday were still fresh in the minds of the men and women present, none allowed their fear of violence to deter them from their goal. Many were saying that they had a duty towards those who had fallen to continue the fight. “We want their deaths to mean something, we want their blood to carry us to victory”, were the words used by the Youth movement.
In Aden, Taiz, Hodeidah, Hadramaout, Mareb, Sanhan, Damar, Ibb and Sana’a an ocean of protesters were chanting: “Erhal, Erhal “, which means Get out!
An embattled President address the nation
Wanting to show that he still had the support of his people and therefore legitimacy, Ali Abdullah Saleh, the 3 decades long President organized a rally on the capital main artery. Those pro-government protesters are believed to have been gathered from Yemen’s poorest villages and allowed into Sana’a by the government, with strict orders to voice their support to Saleh. In exchange, they would receive a sum of 2,000 Yemeni Rials each (about $10) plus room and board. This is of course being financed by the Tax payers’ money.
Although those numbers were not confirmed, it is believed that about 3 million people were asked to be present. For an impoverished country such as Yemen, $30 millions represent an enormous amount of money. Many are asking why the government is being so keen to throw money around in order to maintain its grip on power and so reluctant when it is asked to improve the country’s basic infrastructures.
This is what the President had to say to its fellow citizens: “….under no orders from any political party or any leader, you came of your own free will, based on your patriotic responsibility, from all corners of the country, on this great day – the Friday of peace, stability and security”.
Then: “Yes to stability and security, no to chaos and vandalism, no to creating chaos, no to pillage and assault on government institutions. No to pillage of the country’s riches. To those who are protesting – you did not contribute to the country’s achievements”.
My fellow citizens, those holding the sit-ins, I am prepared to sit with you and to respond to each one of your demands. You should not be a vehicle for the malicious to ruin every great aspect of life … the country is a trust and responsibility for you.
“We need to hand over the banner of rule to honest hands, capable hands – not malicious hands. We are prepared to give up power, but only to good people, after elections. We are against chaos and mayhem. The demonstrators in Tahrir Square are targeted by the Houthis and drug traffickers.”
Saleh has emptied the Central Banks across the nation and allegedly has ordered some funds to be transferred to his sons. Given that some of the funds deposited in the Central Banks belong to Al-Ahmar and Al-Said financial groups; those influential figures might not be too pleased at present. Whether the government is willingly attempting to create a financial disaster or is securing a bargain chip of some sort is still unclear.
The Opposition stands strong
Now that the protesters are counting amongst their supporters General Ali Mohsen Saleh al-Ahmar, the most influential man after the President, the success of the Yemeni revolution seems inevitable. And indeed, how could the President weather the uprising without the support of his army?
The televised defection of the General was followed by a tidal wave of resignations and statements of support by other high ranking military officers.
Furthermore, hundreds of Security Forces personnel decided to leave their post to join the anti-government protesters and add their voices to the demonstrations. Yehia Saleh, the head of the Security Forces and nephew of the President is believed to have fled to the United States. This move comes amid calls for his arrests over the recent bloodshed and rumors of corruption.
In a bid to contradict the presidential rhetoric of looming civil war, the South Separatist Movement has announced that it was standing behind the Opposition and that Yemen would remain united.
But if Ali Mohsen and Al-Ahmar tribe are throwing their weights behind the Revolution, they have made very clear that their only ambition was to see the will of the people respected. They understand the need for change and they say to be willing to step aside once the President presents his resignation.
The secret deal
Rumors are circulating in Yemen this evening of a secret deal being agreed upon by Ali Abdullah Saleh and Ali Mohsen Saleh Al-Ahmar. Allegedly, the two men would announce their resignation on Saturday, handing over the reins of power to a civilian caretaker government, which will have the responsibility of organizing the parliamentary and presidential elections.
The most likely figure to step forward is that of Sheikh Mohamed Abulahoom. This former parliamentary and member of the People’s Congress could be seen as the unifying force needed in Yemen’s political landscape.
Whether or not the President decides to leave tomorrow is beside the point now. His stubbornness is only delaying the inevitable….. It is now a matter of form, will he be allowed to remain in Yemen or will he be dragged to Court by a vengeful mob?
