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31 May 2026: The Political and State-Building Track of the National Peace Movement organized an open intellectual seminar titled “The Paths and Developments of the Democratic Transition Process in Yemen.” The seminar was presented by Dr. Shadi Khasrouf, Vice Chair of the Rights Track in the movement, and was attended by a select group of academics, intellectuals, and politicians from both within and outside the movement.

The seminar, moderated by Afra Alhabouri, Vice Chair of the movement’s UK branch, provided an analytical review of the critical milestones in the Yemeni experience since the early 1990s, tracing the landscape’s transition from pluralism, consensus, and comprehensive dialogue to a state of division and war.

Dr. Khasrouf attributed the setback of the democratic path to five key factors: the absence of safeguarding institutions, the dominance of personal and partisan interests, the politicization of military and security institutions, deep-seated societal divisions, and widespread corruption. He explained that the unfair exploitation of state resources during elections turned political competition into a struggle between “the state and parties” rather than a fair race among equal actors, emphasizing that democracy is a comprehensive system of rights and the rule of law, not just a ballot box.

The seminar outlined a roadmap for a return to a peaceful path, specifying its core conditions as: building upon the draft outcomes of the National Dialogue, establishing neutral state institutions that insulate national assets from individual or partisan interests, enhancing transparency to eradicate corruption, and managing disputes within peaceful, institutional frameworks.

In conclusion, the seminar featured an interactive discussion among participants regarding the future of the democratic transition in Yemen and the prospects for restoring the political path. Attendees stressed the vital importance of sustaining serious intellectual dialogues as an essential driver for producing national visions that contribute to building peace, stability, and the envisioned state.

April 19, 2026 – Amid accelerating political developments linked to the Southern issue, a seminar titled “The Role of Southern Women in the Legal and Political Framework and Peacebuilding: Towards Enhancing Their Effective Participation” was held. The event was organized by the Women’s Peace Track within the National Peace Movement, with the participation of a distinguished group of female leaders and individuals engaged in political and human rights affairs.

The seminar opened with remarks by Houria Mashhour, former Yemeni Minister of Human Rights and a member of the Movement’s Board of Trustees. She emphasized that the current moment necessitates revisiting the position of Southern women in the political process—not as a complementary actor, but as a central force in shaping peace trajectories.

Discussions throughout the seminar clearly exposed a persistent gap between the legal frameworks governing women’s participation and the reality of their actual presence. In her intervention, Dr. Asmahan Mardouf bin Breik, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Aden, reviewed both the legal and constitutional frameworks. She argued that the problem lies less in the texts themselves and more in their limited implementation, as well as the absence of safeguards capable of translating them into meaningful political practice.

In the same vein, Sara Abdullah Al-Yafe’i, Secretary-General of the Free Southern Movement Assembly, addressed the position of Southern women within the political landscape, highlighting imbalances in representation and the challenges that continue to constrain women’s presence within political entities.

From a human rights-based perspective, Liza Al-Badawi, Head of the Women’s Peace Track in the Movement, focused in her presentation—titled “From Rights to Influence: Tools for Women’s Empowerment in Peacebuilding”—on the core challenge of moving beyond formal recognition of rights toward real empowerment within decision-making circles, ensuring participation that is substantive rather than symbolic.

Participants also discussed Southern women’s vision for intra-Southern dialogue, stressing that any forthcoming dialogue process will lack credibility unless it guarantees fair and effective representation of women, as a fundamental condition for achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace.

The seminar, moderated by Liza Al-Badawi, concluded with a clear message: enhancing the role of Southern women is no longer an optional add-on, but a political necessity dictated by the current phase. This requires intensified efforts to ensure their active participation across all political and peacebuilding processes.

The event witnessed notable engagement from attendees, reflecting a growing recognition that women’s empowerment is no longer merely a rights-based demand, but a critical entry point for reshaping political balances in the South.

Wednesday, 8 April 2026: The Economic Track of the National Peace Movement (NPM) organised a high-level virtual seminar titled “The Repercussions of the Ongoing War in the Middle East and Its Political and Economic Implications for the Region and Yemen,” amid escalating regional and international tensions.

The seminar hosted prominent Egyptian parliamentarian and media figure Mostafa Bakry, who offered an analytical reading of the rapidly evolving regional landscape. At the outset of his remarks, Bakry said the region is passing through a critical historical moment that goes beyond a mere redistribution of influence to a redefinition of the very concept of power.

Moderated by Rafat Al-Akhali, economist and member of NPMs Board of Trustees, the seminar focused on the implications of the escalation for international trade, energy security, and the stability of maritime corridors. Bakry noted that the region is undergoing profound shifts under the current tensions, which could negatively affect fragile economies, particularly Yemen’s, through rising transport and insurance costs and disruptions to supply chains. At the same time, he pointed to potential opportunities that may emerge from the reshaping of global trade routes, stressing that economic considerations will play a decisive role in shaping alliances in the coming phase.

Bakry also warned of the consequences of any escalation affecting maritime routes, noting that Egypt lost around $12 billion over the course of a year and a half during the recent Red Sea crisis. He said Cairo therefore views any closure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait as a result of the current war as a development with serious consequences, not only for Egypt’s domestic situation, but also for the further militarisation of the Red Sea.

In his analysis of the international dimensions of the crisis, Bakry linked the current conflict to what he described as a US effort to contain China’s anticipated economic rise by 2030. He argued that control over oil sources and shipping lanes is aimed primarily at influencing the political and economic decisions of countries on which China depends, particularly after Iran moved towards adopting the Chinese currency in oil transactions.

The seminar also brought together a number of researchers and interested participants, who contributed interventions on the impact of regional escalation on the prices of essential commodities, the security of maritime navigation, and the implications for living conditions in Yemen and across the region. Dr Fawziya Nasher, a member of the NPM’s economic Track, stressed the importance of addressing ongoing regional transformations through an integrated economic and political lens. The seminar forms part of the NPM’s efforts to strengthen dialogue on strategic issues and create space for responsible discussion of economic and political challenges in ways that support stability and help build sustainable peace.

15 February 2026: The Political Affairs and State-Building Track of the National Peace Movement organised a political seminar titled “Southern–Southern Dialogue: Prospects and Challenges” as part of a series of seminars and discussion workshops held by the Movement for its members from various constituencies, within the framework of efforts to promote political dialogue and state-building.

The seminar addressed three main themes. Dr. Fouad Al-Badai, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Taiz University and Deputy Head of the Movement’s branch in Egypt, outlined the key challenges and opportunities facing the Southern–Southern dialogue process in light of current political developments. He noted that the dialogue represents an opportunity to improve public service delivery, enhance government performance, and strengthen security and stability.

Dr. Noha Al-Abd, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at the University of Aden, delivered an intervention on mechanisms for overcoming political differences, building trust, and supporting rapprochement among Southern components in ways that enhance prospects for consensus. She emphasised the importance of ensuring women’s and youth participation to achieve comprehensive and sustainable agreements.

In the third session, Mr. Waddah Al-Yemen Khaled Hariri, Yemeni writer and politician and member of the Consultative Meeting for Peace, presented several potential scenarios for Southern consensus, stressing the importance of prioritising the public interest and effectively utilising regional support in any scenario discussed at the dialogue table. He also highlighted the role the National Peace Movement can play, through its members and activities, in supporting the Southern–Southern dialogue to help meet citizens’ aspirations for solutions that improve the overall situation in the country.

The seminar was moderated by Ms. Basma Ibrahim Bamadhaf, a member of the Political Affairs and State-Building Track within the Movement. The event featured an interactive discussion among participants from the Movement’s membership, focusing on the importance of sustaining dialogue and further developing its mechanisms in a way that supports national stability.

This seminar comes as part of the National Peace Movement’s commitment to supporting internal dialogue processes and enhancing opportunities for political consensus, thereby contributing to peace and stability across Yemen.

31 December 2025: The National Peace Movement (NPM) has been closely monitoring the recent decisions issued by the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council concerning the governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahra. These decisions come at a sensitive juncture marked by escalating political and security tensions, particularly following calls for the withdrawal of Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces from both governorates.

These developments are unfolding amid a deteriorating political and humanitarian situation in Hadramout and Al-Mahra, where growing public concern has emerged in recent weeks due to the expansion of STC armed forces outside any consensual or coordinated political framework with the legitimate state institutions and local authorities of the internationally recognized Yemeni state.

 The NPM affirms its support for the efforts of the Saudi-led coalition to contain the situation in a manner that enhances stability and security and serves the interests of the Yemeni people. The Movement also welcomes the clear and positive position of the brotherly United Arab Emirates (UAE), including its decision to withdraw its military presence from Yemen and its response to the request of the legitimate Yemeni government to cancel the defence agreement. These steps represent a meaningful contribution toward reducing tensions and fostering an environment conducive to de-escalation.

In this context, the NPM calls on the STC leadership to urgently respond to demands for withdrawal from military areas in Hadramout and Al-Mahra, in a manner consistent with the principles of peaceful political participation and within the framework of a comprehensive national dialogue involving the legitimate authorities and the Saudi-led coalition. Such an approach would ensure a constructive political path that preserves the right of the people of these governorates to manage their affairs peacefully, without the use of arms, reflects realities on the ground, and protects the political and social gains achieved through the peaceful struggle of the southern movement.

The NPM reiterates its full readiness to cooperate with all peace movements and to engage in dialogue with all parties in order to de-escalate tensions, restore calm, and build national consensus based on shared principles. The Movement remains firmly committed to achieving a just and lasting peace in Yemen that secures the country’s future away from division and conflict and advances the establishment of a civil state founded on republican principles, democracy, political pluralism, social justice, national sovereignty, human rights, citizenship, and equality.

Issued by:
The National Peace Movement
31 December 2025

18 December 2025: As part of its ongoing programme of dialogue initiatives, the National Peace Movement, through its Board of Trustees, convened a special seminar entitled “The Situation in Hadhramaut: Drivers of Escalation, the Gulf Position, and the Future of Yemen.” The event saw strong participation from members of the Movement representing its various teams and tracks, and aimed to examine recent developments in Hadhramaut Governorate and their broader implications for Yemen’s political landscape.

The seminar hosted Mohammed Al-Basha, a journalist and Yemen affairs specialist based in the United States, and President of Basha Report consultancy. Al-Basha has previously held several research and administrative roles, including serving as Head of the Middle East Analysts Team at Navanti Group.

The seminar, moderated by Dr Mahmood Alazani, a member of the Board of Trustees, addressed several key issues, including the evolving field developments in Hadhramaut and the underlying drivers of the current escalation. Discussions also focused on the repercussions of these developments for the coherence of the Gulf position on Yemen, particularly among Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Sultanate of Oman, as well as an assessment of potential scenarios and their implications for the country’s future.

Al-Basha delivered a comprehensive analysis of the military developments on the ground, the position of Ansar Allah (the Houthis) regarding events in eastern Yemen, and the future of the Presidential Leadership Council, highlighting the challenges associated with the prospect of its return to convening in Aden in the foreseeable future. He also reviewed the international community’s approach to the Yemen file, particularly with regard to issues of separation and the role of the Southern Transitional Council.

The seminar concluded with an open discussion session, during which members of the Movement engaged actively through questions and interventions, reaffirming the importance of sustaining dialogue on these critical issues given their direct impact on Yemen’s political trajectory and the prospects for a lasting peace process.

27 November 2025: The National Peace Movement (NPM) expresses its deep concern over the continued detention and enforced disappearance of prominent civil society leaders by the Ansar Allah (Houthi) authorities in Sana’a. The most recent cases include Professor Hamoud Al-Awdi, Abdulrahman Al-Ulufi, and Anwar Shaab, who have been forcibly disappeared for more than two weeks after being summoned by the Houthi Security and Intelligence Agency.

These arrests mark a serious escalation targeting leading figures in peacebuilding, development, and humanitarian action. In this regard, the National Peace Movement affirms the following:

First: Professor Hamoud Al-Awdi and his colleagues are among Yemen’s most respected advocates for peace, civic development, social reconciliation, and dialogue-based conflict resolution. Their detention constitutes a direct attack on efforts to advance peace in Yemen and a violation of Yemeni social values, public dignity, and the principles of responsible governance.

Second: The use of repression, arbitrary detention, and enforced disappearance against civil actors working for peace and development not only increases the suffering of the Yemeni people but also undermines any credible political process. Such practices contradict claims by Houthis of seeking a comprehensive and just peace.

Third: The NPM holds Ansar Allah (the Houthis) fully responsible for the safety, health, and legal rights of all detainees and forcibly disappeared civilians. Any harm inflicted upon them would constitute a grave breach of humanitarian and legal obligations.

Fourth: The Movement demands the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees and victims of enforced disappearance, their restoration to their families, and full respect for their rights as protected by the Yemeni Constitution and international law.

Fifth: The Movement calls on all civil and political actors, as well as human rights and humanitarian organizations inside and outside Yemen, to publicly condemn these violations and take urgent and coordinated action to pressure for an end to practices that undermine the dignity, safety, and rights of Yemeni citizens.

Peace can only be achieved by respecting civil rights and safeguarding freedom of expression. No party can claim to seek peace while simultaneously arresting and harassing peace advocates who are not parties to the conflict, but are in fact key pillars in ending it.

Issued by:
The National Peace Movement
27 November 2025

18 November 2025: The National Peace Movement (NPM) participated actively in the 5th High-Level Feminist Peace Conference, held in Amman, Jordan, from 15 to 18 November 2025, and organized by the Peace Track Initiative.

The conference brought together more than fifty feminist leaders from Yemen and across the Arab region, along with representatives from regional and international civil society organizations, policymakers, and allies of feminist peace.

Participants addressed strategic priorities for the sustainability of feminist peacebuilding, including the protection of civic space, the advancement of feminist economic frameworks, and the role of knowledge as a driver of lasting and transformative change.

The conference served as an important platform for experience-sharing and collective action, reinforcing collaborative regional and international efforts to promote a just, inclusive, and sustainable peace.

1 November 2025 – The National Peace Movement launched its series of dialogue events with a public seminar titled “Is It Time for Peace in Yemen?”, held on Saturday evening with broad participation from members of the movement.

The seminar hosted Mr. Nibras Abdulrahman Anam, a peacebuilding and governance specialist, who presented a comprehensive analytical reading of the political and military developments in Yemen since 2022, highlighting the impact of the Gaza War on the regional and domestic balance of power in the country.

Anam explained that the current prospects for de-escalation are contingent on establishing a negotiation track that takes into account the interests and concerns of all regional and international actors, expands the civic space, and enhances the participation of local stakeholders in the peace process. He noted that recent regional and global shifts — including changes in U.S. policy following the return of the Trump administration — have redefined the approach to the Yemeni conflict and the wider region, shifting from a policy of containment to one of confrontation.

He also discussed the post-Gaza War challenges, pointing out that the Yemeni file has effectively shifted into international hands, after it had been close to local actors’ reach during discussions around the “roadmap.” Anam highlighted the decline in the political and military power of the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) as a result of airstrikes and sanctions, alongside rising internal protests and divisions, contrasted with a relative improvement in coordination among the components of the internationally recognised government.

Anam stressed that the National Peace Movement stands today as virtually the only active civil faction in the Yemeni political landscape, and must strengthen its national, regional, and international presence as a key player capable of critiquing any future political agreement that remains confined to the warring parties — in order to ensure inclusivity and genuine participation. He underscored the importance of ensuring legitimacy for the movement’s activities and initiatives, and of continuing to present ideas and proposals that will, sooner or later, yield tangible impact.

Birmingham, 26 October 2025– NPM UK, the UK branch of the National Peace Movement, held a significant meeting on Sunday in Birmingham with representatives from Saferworld, including Lewis Brooks (UK Policy & Advocacy Adviser) and Awfa Al-Naami (Yemen Country Manager).

During the meeting, Saferworld delivered a presentation on their peacebuilding work in Yemen, and shared valuable insights into the UK political landscape, offering practical guidance on how NPM UK can strengthen its advocacy and reach among UK decision-makers.

The meeting was attended by members of NPM UK and coincided with the group’s first official away day. It marked an important step in building strategic partnerships and enhancing NPM UK’s capacity to influence peace and policy efforts both in the UK and internationally.