Yemen’s move to appoint a new prime minister, that was accepted by most political factions in the country — and particularly the Al Houthis — was a commendable act that should be appreciated. Khalid Bahah is a well-known personality and is well-respected in Yemen and abroad. His choice is not a major compromise for President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi since, serving as a diplomat, he is already part of the establishment.
However, it is incumbent on Yemen to make it clear that not only would this be the last olive branch extended to Al Houthis, but also one that can be reversed if the group does not live up to its end of the bargain. Al Houthis, upon agreeing to the new prime minister, were expected to remove their armed militia from the cities and government installations they had captured in the country, particularly in the capital Sana’a. Unfortunately, however, there are no signs so far that Al Houthis will withdraw. Instead, in an audacious show of defiance, they seized the Red Sea city of Hudeida, home to the country’s second most important port, yesterday, just hours after they gave their blessings to the appointment of Bahah as Prime Minister.
This would have been a final and true test of Al Houthis’ intentions, and so far, they appear to be failing at it miserably, further undermining Hadi. It is perhaps time for Yemenis to ask what it is that Al Houthis really want. Do they seek reconciliation, coexistence and the safeguarding of the rights of all Yemenis as they claim, or do they just want to take over the country?
