Yemen is struggling to find solutions to the various problems it faces — the dire state of the economy, political instability, the Southern movement, Al Houthis and Al Qaida. But bold steps are being taken by Prime Minister Mohammad Salim Basindwah to build a new and modern Yemen.
In a speech in Taiz, he announced the cancellation of funds from the government budget, estimated at 13 billion Yemeni riyals, that were paid to tribal leaders in Yemen by the former regime to gain their loyalty. The reaction came fast through an angry meeting of the shaikhs and tribal leaders in Sana'a's Al Khail Hall. In that meeting, the attendees insulted Basindwah and accused him of abusing his power.
I totally agree with the prime minister on his decision to stop these payments and use the money where Yemen needs it the most: to feed millions of hungry children.
Oxfam, which is an international confederation of 15 organisations, has found that 45 per cent of Yemen's population does not have enough to eat — that is more than 10 million people, half of whom face severe food insecurity and are in need of emergency aid.
The tribal leaders would do well to support the government in dealing with the economic crisis, instead of attacking the prime minister. It is obvious that they care more about lining their own pockets than feeding Yemen's starving children. But these leaders forget that the youth revolution which ended Saleh's rule will eventually end all family, tribal and territorial control and narrow self-interests.
Yemen is suffering from a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. There is a lack of understanding locally about the nature of the transition the country is undergoing. And political parties and other movements are not helping the government in overcoming many of the ideological differences for the sake of the success of the transition phase.
Removing obstacles
It was impressive how the tremendous and honest efforts exerted by the UN special envoy to Yemen Jamal Bin Omar convinced the generals to end their rebellion last week. This kind of support is needed to focus attention to achieve security and stability by providing support through the international community to remove the obstacles facing the national dialogue conference which is supposed to find solutions to the political crisis.
There are many points to be discussed during the national dialogue; the most important one is to choose a system of rule in Yemen, and most likely the parliamentary system will be the choice of all parties involved in the dialogue.
Another critical point is the continuation of the restructuring of the army and rebuilding its foundation based on national interests. Other major areas of reform include those of civil institutions, social transformation, and discussion of the role of women and the obstacles they face in reaching executive and decision-making positions, despite their qualification and experience.
The Southern movement and Al Houthis are trying to use indirect methods to pressure the international community to support them. This was clearly reflected in the preparation for the national conference. It is about time that the Southern movement and Al Houthis express their opposition openly. Their attempts to hold another conference outside Yemen will damage their credibility.
On the other hand, unacceptable violations of Yemen's sovereignty by the US Air Force are a real obstacle to Yemeni forces' progress in their fight against Al Qaida.
Local citizens and many activists in Yemen have expressed frustration with intensified drone strikes in Shabwa and Abyan provinces. It's in Yemen's best interest to stop US interference in its territory. We all support the fight against Al Qaida, but I am defending the rights of Yemen and its civilians.
The Pentagon has sent military trainers to Yemen and that is the kind of support Yemen can use. So I urge President Hadi to set up a clear and urgent cooperation agreement between Yemen and the US, wherein military operations are undertaken and controlled by the Yemeni government.
