The Yemeni Islah Party celebrated its 35th anniversary yesterday with a special event, during which the party’s chairman, Mohammed al-Yedumi, delivered a wide-ranging speech carrying critical political and organizational messages in light of Yemen’s current challenges.

Affirming Independence

Yedumi stressed that Islah is a Yemeni-rooted party, fully independent, with no organizational or political ties abroad. He affirmed the party’s commitment to peaceful and democratic work under the constitution and law, firmly rejecting attempts to associate it with the Muslim Brotherhood, particularly as international — especially U.S. — efforts grow to designate the group as a terrorist organization.

Call for a National Charter

He proposed a “National Honor Charter” uniting all Yemeni political forces to guide the post-Houthi phase, establish principles of partnership and consensus, and pave the way for free general elections that would restore the state’s authority and citizens’ rights.

Support for the Arab Coalition

Yedumi expressed Islah’s gratitude to the Arab Coalition led by Saudi Arabia for its ongoing political, military, economic, and humanitarian support to Yemen. He also praised the UAE’s role in confronting the Houthi coup.

Position on Palestine

He hailed Saudi Arabia’s stance in recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, describing it as a “genuine Arab position” deserving of appreciation, while emphasizing the importance of a unified Arab stance on the Palestinian cause.

Legitimacy and the Southern Issue

Reaffirming support for the Presidential Leadership Council and the legitimate government, Yedumi underscored the need for economic reforms, service improvements, and salary payments in liberated areas. He also stressed the importance of addressing the Southern issue within a federal state framework that preserves the republican system and guarantees fair national partnership.

Rejecting Terrorism and Extremism

Concluding his speech, Yedumi reiterated Islah’s rejection of terrorism and extremism in all forms, stressing that the Houthis represent the most dangerous threat to Yemen, the region, and international navigation. He announced Islah’s openness to dialogue with regional and international actors to build a just, civil state inclusive of all Yemenis.

Yedumi also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the army, security forces, resistance, and tribes, and demanded the immediate release of all detainees, led by senior Islah leader Mohammed Qahtan, forcibly disappeared in Houthi prisons since 2015.