In a significant development, the United Nations (UN) has decided to lift sanctions imposed on Yemen’s former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and his son, Ahmed Saleh. This move has triggered celebrations among Yemenis, particularly among those who remain loyal to the former president. Here’s a closer look at what this decision means and the reactions it has sparked.
The UN’s Major Decision
The unexpected move to take Ali Abdullah Saleh and his son Ahmed off its list of sanctioned people and companies was taken by the UN Security Council’s Yemen sanctions committee on Tuesday. For a decade, these sanctions had been in place due to their roles in Yemen’s prolonged crisis. The sanctions had been imposed in 2014, when Saleh and his son were accused of obstructing Yemen’s political transition and supporting the Houthi rebels—a group involved in ongoing conflicts in Yemen.
Ali Abdullah Saleh was Yemen’s president for 33 years before he was ousted in 2011 following widespread protests fueled by the Arab Spring. After his removal from office, the UN targeted him and his son with sanctions for their involvement in worsening the political situation in Yemen and backing the Houthis. Ahmed Saleh, who held the position of commander of the elite Republican Guards and later became Yemen’s ambassador to the UAE, was also sanctioned for his role in the conflict.
The decision to lift these sanctions was recently requested by the Yemeni government. The UN committee’s approval of this request marks a dramatic shift, and it has been celebrated by various political figures and citizens in Yemen.
Reactions and Celebrations
The removal of sanctions has been met with enthusiasm from many quarters of Yemen’s political scene.Recipient of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) award Tareq Mohammed Abdullah Saleh, nephew of the outgoing president, thanked Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the council. He credited these parties for their efforts in convincing the UN to lift the sanctions. His praise highlights the support and cooperation from these countries in Yemen’s political landscape.
Othman Mujalli, another member of the PLC, also reached out to Ahmed Saleh to congratulate him on the decision. Mujalli acknowledged the significant role played by Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the process and urged Yemenis to unite against the Houthi rebels, reflecting the ongoing political and military dynamics in Yemen.
Former Vice President Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmer, who had been a vocal critic of Saleh and supported the anti-Saleh protests in 2011, took to social media to praise the UN’s decision. His support indicates a broader acceptance of the move among various political figures in Yemen.
Lt. Gen. Sagheer bin Aziz, the Yemeni army’s chief of staff, and Speaker of the Parliament Sultan Al-Barakani were among the other high-ranking officials that praised the move. Their reactions underscore the significance of the UN’s move in Yemen’s political sphere and the overall sense of relief and optimism it has brought.
The Broader Context of Lifting of Sanctions on Saleh and his son
While the lifting of sanctions on Saleh and his son is a notable development, it is part of a broader and complex situation in Yemen. Recently, the US Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions targeting individuals and companies involved in helping the Houthi rebels. The sanctions are aimed at individuals and businesses based in China and Yemen that were allegedly aiding the Houthis in acquiring components for weapons used in attacks on ships.
In order to get parts for their weapons, the Houthis have a history of taking advantage of major international commerce channels and countries like China and Hong Kong. In response to these activities, the US has led coalition efforts to safeguard international shipping lanes and has imposed sanctions on those who support the Houthis. This includes strikes on Houthi targets and designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization.
The UN’s recent decision to lift sanctions on Saleh and his son comes amidst these ongoing conflicts and international efforts to address the situation. The lifting of sanctions represents a significant shift in Yemen’s political landscape and is expected to influence the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. However, the broader struggle involving the Houthis and international responses continues to shape the situation in Yemen.
