Yemen – GCC Deal and President Ali Abdullah Saleh Resignation

April 26, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

After months of street protests predominantly by the youth population and now with the rest of the nation behind the anti-government rally,

The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) brokered deal offers President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s resignation in 30 days and impunity from prosecution for any crimes.

It is a standard proposal from the embattled leaderships seen thus far in the Middle East and North African political uprisings.

Accordingly the demonstrators have strong doubts about the Yemeni President’s word on leaving office considering the broken promises earlier that has led to the regime extension over thirty-three years.

Furthermore President Ali Abdullah Saleh possible transfer of power to the Vice President Maj. Gen. Abd al-Rab Mansur al-Hadi (appointed by the President on October 3, 1994 – again over sixteen years in office),

Amid expressing inhibitions on several scenarios such as – potential military coup, insisting on transformation through ballot boxes and referendums – strategy that does not fit in with more than three decades of autocratic power and last but not the least,

Al Qaeda infiltration and Islamists from the Islah Party seizing power in the country on the brink of collapse.

First and foremost the incumbent President Saleh’s forecasts is actuality emanating from political oppression, economic depression and social repression under the present government.

Had the country been democratic with republic rule representing the entire nation, Al Qaeda, militarism and fundamentalism would have no place for the people would ensure that internal and external forces not seize their freedom, opportunities and equal status from them.

Therefore it is important for President Saleh to recognize the failures of his government since the existing problems in every frontier is aptly attributed to the decades old system centered on the political leadership and fewer party loyalists’ self-interest implemented in the agenda depleting national resources.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh can no longer convince the beleaguered nation desperately deserving a sea change in the political, economic and social environment benefitting all rather than the powerful and the affluent groups in the society.

Younger generation have dreams and aspirations to build their nation to conform to the twenty first century in every aspect.  The feat could not be accomplished with political independence denial.

President Saleh in the latest speech advised the youth to form a political party and challenge the ruling government in the election.

Although the belated suggestion to set up political party is motivating, the timing implies the political maneuver to let the quest for democracy dissipate with the expectation for situation reversal i.e. political governance under President Saleh.

Protesters anguish and mistrust against the GCC mediated offer is justified due to the key elements in the agreement viz. President Saleh departure from office delayed by 30 days and immunity granted to all those involved in violence against unarmed civilians reportedly claimed 130 lives until date.

People’s decision is clear in this regard seeking President Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down immediately and not in 30 days.  The terms are non-negotiable and the wealth accumulated during the entire period to be retained for national investment and not personal acquisition.

The military in Yemen is urged to safeguard boundaries and territories in addition to citizens’ lives as opposed to aiming for political power,

Notwithstanding extending support to President Saleh government or any partisan groups threatening national security.

The fundamentalism cannot survive in the political evolution began through educated youth movement having attracted remaining citizens from across the country with the activists in southern city Taiz and capital Sana focused on modern society establishment in the post political freedom.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh honoring the republic will by renouncing power in entirety would be a dignified exit as the inevitable developments could neither be stalled nor stopped across the region and elsewhere.

No leadership could assert authority through use of force and insist on continuing in power despite the bloodshed and economic severity affecting the nation.

The government resistance to political dissent only exacerbates the crisis facilitating stalemate serving none especially the defiant authorities in power for history is testimony in the past and recent times that velvet, jasmine and lotus revolutions have prevailed in ending decadent rule setting a precedence in synonymous cause.

Yemeni citizens are commended for the courage and patience in their effort to political liberation.  The determination to succeed is evident in their relentless pursuit for democracy.  Staying on course to achieve the goal is quintessential in the political struggle.

Every individual pledged to restoring sovereignty is a formidable opponent to the authorities and the martyrs’ sacrifice will not be in vain.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh term in office is effectively over and clinging on to position against people consent is anything but democratic.

Acknowledgment of reality is the peaceful and viable solution to the ongoing political standoff between the deposed leadership and the people.

Best Wishes to the people in Yemen for a resounding victory in political emancipation leading to social progress and economic prosperity.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, International Politics 

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