After Death Sentence and House Arrest, Ahmed Ali Returns to Political Scene on September 26 Revolution Anniversary
Yemen Monitor/ Newsroom:
Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh, son of the former Yemeni President and Deputy Head of the General People’s Congress (GPC) party in Sana’a, delivered a rare and unexpected televised speech marking the 63rd anniversary of the September 26 Revolution.
This sudden appearance follows months after the Houthi group announced a death sentence against him and forced the GPC leadership in Sana’a to dismiss him from his post.
The televised address comes at a politically sensitive time. Ahmed Ali had been largely absent from political activity and was under house arrest in Abu Dhabi since the Houthi takeover of Sana’a in September 2014, due to a UN Security Council resolution, though those sanctions were recently lifted.
In his speech, Ahmed Ali renewed his pride and loyalty to the sacrifices of the martyrs and faithful fighters, foremost among them his father, former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the late Aref Al-Zouka, and their comrades. He emphasized that the Yemeni people’s celebration of the September 26 and October 14 revolutions occurs amid tremendous challenges imposed by what he termed “forces of darkness and clergy.” He stressed that the Yemeni people will continue on the path of freedom, honoring the blood of the martyrs and preserving the gains of the Revolution and the Republic.
The former President’s son asserted that the current challenges necessitate unifying all free national forces to confront the coup groups. He called for a comprehensive national project to guarantee the country’s rescue and the restoration of the state and its institutions.
He also extended his appreciation to the nations that have stood by Yemen during its difficult circumstances, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Oman.
Ahmed Ali’s reappearance raises questions about whether his speech signals an “initial start” to his return to the Yemeni political arena, or if it is merely a symbolic message affirming his continuing influence despite the significant obstacles he has faced over the past years.
