American Institute expresses deep concern over arbitrary measures obstructing activities of parties and organizations in Aden

The US National Democratic Institute and the Preparatory Committee for the National Conference expressed, on Wednesday, their deep concern over the arbitrary measures of the Transitional Council that obstruct the efforts of civil society, political parties and organizations in the interim capital of Aden in southern Yemen.

In a joint statement, the Institute and the Preparatory Committee called on the Southern Transitional Council not to obstruct the legitimate activities of Yemeni civil society and international organizations registered and licensed by the Yemeni government.

The statement said that on Thursday, August 15, 2024, the Preparatory Committee for the National Youth Conference organized an introductory meeting for the conference in partnership with the National Democratic Institute and the United States Agency for International Development. This event was organized completely independently of any political agendas or entities.

He explained that the procedures followed in organizing such events were implemented by communicating with the Ministry of Planning and the relevant authorities. The event included inviting participants, including heads of youth organizations, civil society activists, guests from various government institutions, international organizations operating in Yemen, and the office of the UN envoy in Aden.

He pointed out that on the morning of the event, it was cancelled at the request of a security official and participants were prevented from entering.

The statement continued: “The National Democratic Institute and the Preparatory Committee for the Conference express their deep concern about the arbitrary measures in Aden that obstruct the efforts of civil society, political parties, and international organizations, and call on the Southern Transitional Council and the Government of the Republic of Yemen to ensure that Aden is a safe and welcoming place for civil society and cultural and social events.”

Statement on the ban on an introductory meeting for the National Youth Conference in Aden

The National Democratic Institute ( @NDI ) and the Preparatory Committee for the National Youth Conference call on the Southern Transitional Council (STC) not to obstruct the legitimate activities of Yemeni civil society and international organizations registered and licensed by the Yemeni government.…

— National Democratic Institute (@NDI) August 21, 2024

The Transitional Council announced in a statement last Thursday its "categorical rejection of any political activities by any party or component on the land of the south outside the scope of the National Charter, stressing that it will work to stop them, in order to preserve the security, stability and national unity of the south."

Commenting on this, Yemeni MP Ali Ashal said that the double talk and contradictory positions do not serve our brothers in the Transitional Council, and they also harm the alignment of the national forces supporting legitimacy and weaken the work of state institutions.

Ashal added, via the "X" platform, that what was issued by the Transitional Council Presidency meeting regarding preventing the activities of political parties is a position that contradicts the foundations of partnership and overturns the constitution and the contents of the power transfer agreement.

Despite its presidential and governmental representation, the Transitional Council fights political and civil activity

| Yemen Youth Report pic.twitter.com/YUDnT6pL12

— Yemen Youth TV Channel (@TVyemenshabab) August 19, 2024