For the past 10 months, an international coalition of Arab nations — and the UAE is proud to be a part of that group — is working to restore the legitimate government of President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi from illegal and rebellious factions that have seized control of Yemen.
The chaos brought by a combination of rebel forces under the control of Al Houthi factions and a well-armed militia loyal to former disgraced president Ali Abdullah Saleh, has brought nothing but despair, desolation and desperation to the people of Yemen.
The international coalition, backed by a mandate and resolutions from the United Nations Security Council, is striving to oust the rebels from territory under their control, end the threat of violence, disarm factions and bring about a lasting inclusive political settlement that lay the conditions for an enduring peace.
This mission is fraught with danger and the ultimate sacrifices paid by some 70 members of the UAE’s Armed Forces will not go in vain. It will succeed and justice will prevail.
While Al Houthis and the rebel factions have failed to take advantage of offers for negotiations to end this strife, the coalition has set about taking control of key strategic areas, ensuring that the greater region as a whole will be secure and free from the threat of those who seek to influence affairs from Tehran.
But this mission is just the first phase in restoring freedom and hope to the people of Yemen. Because of the chaos wrought by rebel factions, Yemen will face many challenges. Let’s be clear: The mission in Yemen is a long-term duty. Once anti-government forces are eradicated and demilitarised, the true hard work of rebuilding and transforming Yemen begins.
The nations behind the coalition have pledged billions of dollars in humanitarian relief, promising to stabilise the condition there, rebuilding infrastructure, ensuring that an environment for growth and prosperity is truly established. This is a duty to the Yemeni people — allies for long and brothers in our Arab family.
The scale of the long-term mission is huge: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation reports that there is a potential for famine should conditions there not stabilise soon. Rest assure, the Arab coalition will be there to help in every way. Any chaos that has taken root has done so under Al Houthi and Ali Abdullah Saleh’s bidding.
Because of the insurrection and anarchy brought by the rebels’ utter disregard for the rule of law, some 2.4 million people have been displaced. That’s why our mission in Yemen must succeed. It’s not about power, it’s about people.
