The agreement reached between the government and the opposition in Yemen is an important step as it will define the future of the country. It is critical now that all the forces involved in the process prioritise what the country needs and how it is to be achieved.
Following numerous negotiations, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh agreed to a proposal by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to step down within 30 days and hand over power to his deputy in return for immunity from prosecution. In addition, the opposition has also agreed to the power transition plan, which would allow Yemenis to elect a new president within a period of three months.
It is vital that the current political deadlock in Yemen comes to an end, failing which there may be a prolonged period of civil strife — something the already troubled country can ill afford. Yemen faces many challenges and any instability would jeopardise the safety and the future of the country. Most important of all is the task of keeping the communities together, regardless of the differences. Hence, Yemen's leaders — both in government and in the opposition — shoulder a great responsibility of ensuring a smooth transition to the next stage.
