Reflecting on the Bombing of the Presidential Mosque in Yemen

Since the onset of the Arab Spring and the attempts by various political factions to overthrow the legitimate authority in Yemen through force, the bombing of the Presidential Mosque has marked a critical turning point in the nation’s trajectory. That tragic event has plunged Yemen into an abyss of bloodshed and destruction, engulfing the country in a vortex of violence, hatred, and conflicts rooted in sectarian, regional, and political divisions.

From that fateful day to the present, Yemen has experienced fragmentation and has been navigating without clear direction, security, or peace. The nation’s territory has been divided among local factions and groups, while regional and international powers have exploited its seas, bays, and islands.

The bombing of the Presidential Mosque was not merely an attempt on the life of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh but was a direct assault on the state itself. The objective was to overthrow and seize control of its institutions without any viable plan for governance or constitutional legitimacy.

Since the onset of the Arab Spring and the attempts by various political factions to overthrow the legitimate authority in Yemen through force, the bombing of the Presidential Mosque has marked a critical turning point in the nation’s trajectory. That tragic event has plunged Yemen into an abyss of bloodshed and destruction, engulfing the country in a vortex of violence, hatred, and conflicts rooted in sectarian, regional, and political divisions.

The choice of violence over dialogue and the peaceful expression of opinions laid the groundwork for the pursuit of power through violent means, leading to widespread violations of democratic principles and the mechanisms for peaceful power transfer.

This heinous act destabilized the political equilibrium and created a social rift that has inflicted tremendous damage on the country. It has devastated societal relationships, eroded diversity, and severed the connection between the state and its republican system, particularly as the attack occurred at a time and place sacred to the people and to international norms.

The dire situation in Yemen today can be traced back to that terrorist act, as described by the late president. The choice of violence over dialogue and the peaceful expression of opinions laid the groundwork for the pursuit of power through violent means, leading to widespread violations of democratic principles and the mechanisms for peaceful power transfer. Yemen had previously embraced and experienced these democratic processes through parliamentary, presidential, and local elections, which garnered international acclaim for their transparency and integrity.

Despite the condemnation of the bombing by political forces, parties, civil society organizations, and international human rights bodies, including the UN Security Council, which denounced the incident in its Resolution No. 2024 as a terrorist act, the cycle of violence and crime in Yemen continues unabated. The ongoing human rights violations and disregard for values and customs necessitate accountability for the perpetrators, as these crimes have no statute of limitations. The failure of the Government of National Accord during the transitional phase to prosecute the offenders underscores the urgent need for justice.

The bombing of the Presidential Mosque is a stain not only on those who orchestrated and executed it but also an affront to Yemen and its people, who are known for their tolerance and respect for dialogue and emerging democratic principles. This day should serve as a reminder to Yemenis of the importance of confronting extremism, sectarian conflicts, regionalism, and exclusionary policies, and upholding equal citizenship rights. It is imperative to learn from past mistakes and suffering to begin a new chapter in Yemen’s history that honors its rich heritage and legacy.

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Dr. Taha Hussein Al-Hamdani is Contributor to the Sixteenth Council Insights