Yemen Monitor / Monitoring Unit / Exclusive
Social media platforms are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Yemeni Islah Party, with widespread affirmations of its position as a solid national political pillar in Yemen’s modern history.
Amid a wave of congratulations and analyses, prominent figures from various alliances and public elites reaffirmed the party’s vital role in shaping Yemen’s future.
Writer Nabil Al-Bakiri stated that for a decade, despite violent political transformations, Islah has remained a national political force committed to core principles of republicanism, democracy, and unity. He described these as a “trilogy” that represents the culmination of the struggles of the Yemeni national movement since the mid-20th century. He noted that this unwavering commitment is still making a tangible difference in the face of movements that seek to dismantle the national identity. He added that the party didn’t stop at its principles but evolved into a “civilizational project” thanks to its members who are on the front lines, whether in the field or within state institutions. He highlighted that Islah’s strength lies not in its organizational power, but in the depth of its vision, its resilience in facing challenges, and its cohesion with the components of the Yemeni people.
Dr. Ahmed Hallah pointed out that the party has been an active partner in state-building since its inception, participating in governments and parliament, and contributing to the establishment of civil state institutions. He emphasized that its stance against the Houthi coup wasn’t just rhetoric but was translated into action through the tremendous sacrifices made by its members. He described their struggle as being against a “sectarian lineage” project seeking to undermine the state and impose a tyrannical, theocratic model. Hallah affirmed that Islah’s work extends beyond politics to include developmental and social initiatives aimed at building civil society institutions, empowering youth, and enhancing the role of women in public life. He considers these efforts to be an integral part of a comprehensive national vision.
In a related context, Parliamentarian Salah Batis, a member of the Shura Council, sent a congratulatory message for the anniversary. He expressed pride in the popular resilience and the struggles of Yemenis to establish a state based on law and order. He noted that the party today includes the finest cadres of all ages and social backgrounds, who were raised on the principles of patriotism, justice, and dialogue. Batis stressed that the party has succeeded in maintaining its cohesion by building partnerships with all who support the national project, believing this practice has protected the gains of the Yemeni people. He called for strengthening national unity and continuing to be patient and steadfast in the face of the challenges facing the state.
For his part, activist Tawfiq Ahmed confirmed that attempts to target the party are not aimed at Islah as a political entity, but at erasing an entire national struggle. He said that today, Islah is no longer just a political party, but has become the “spearhead” in the republican battle and a symbol of rejecting a return to the dark ages. He added, “All projects to assassinate Islah will fail, because they are, in reality, projects to assassinate Yemen itself.”
In contrast, journalist Mohammed Al-Salihi expressed his admiration for Islah’s steadfastness in the most difficult circumstances, noting that the party has been “in the heart of the battle” since the first moment of the Houthi coup. He described its journey as not just a partisan one, but “a pulse in Yemen,” revitalizing every time the state is threatened by division or fragmentation. “Islah is not just a passing party, it is a pulse in Yemen,” he concluded, saluting those who have made a record of sacrifices to preserve the national identity and the state.
