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Mukalla: Under the theme “Towards Wider Popular Participation in Peacebuilding in Yemen,” several members of the National Reconciliation Movement, alongside more than 60 influential figures from various political and social sectors, participated in preliminary consultations organized by Tamadon Foundation in Hadramout. These meetings, which are part of a broader peace project in Yemen, lasted for over two months and aimed to explore ways to enhance popular participation in peace efforts and support peace initiatives and figures both within and outside Yemen to voice their demands to the conflict parties and the international community.

Participants in the preliminary consultative sessions praised this approach to expanding popular participation in peacebuilding. They provided several recommendations for upcoming meetings, which will be sponsored by Tamadon Foundation in collaboration with its peace initiative partners, particularly the National Reconciliation Movement. The objective is to shape ideas around establishing a broad national coalition that includes Yemen’s peace forces and addresses issues related to ending the war and achieving the desired peace based on national references and with the participation of various political components and professional unions.

It is noteworthy that these preliminary consultations in Hadramout followed the completion of the first phase of similar activities and initiatives in the governorates of Aden and Sana’a in 2023. They also coincide with a number of preliminary consultations in other governorates, such as Taiz, Marib, Ibb, and Hodeidah. These meetings complement several accompanying activities inside and outside Yemen, including workshops for peace influencers outside the country and continued efforts to build a media coalition for peace, set to launch this year in Cairo. Additionally, these activities include organizing visits and delegations to regional countries and holding the Second consultation Meeting for peace initiatives in Yemen, to take place in Amman in October, which will be attended by prominent Yemeni political and social figures and international peace organizations.

TAIZ, 22 June 2024: NRM’s members in Taiz have contributed to the first round of preliminary peace consultations held in Taiz under the title “Towards Broader Participation in Peacebuilding in Yemen.” These meetings, organised by our partner Tamadon Foundation, are part of a broader effort to foster a representative framework that incorporates influential figures inside and outside Yemen, aiming to support collective aspirations of conflict parties and the international community.

Over the past two months, Taiz has hosted a series of preliminary consultation sessions with more than 65 influential figures from diverse political and social backgrounds. Participants commended the initiative for its role in enhancing public engagement in the peace process. The consultations yielded a set of recommendations for future meetings, which will focus on forming a national coalition of peace forces in Yemen, addressing the challenges of ending the conflict, and achieving sustainable peace within nationally agreed frameworks.

These sessions follow the completion of the project’s first phase, which included activities in Aden and Sanaa throughout 2023. This current phase coincides with numerous related activities both within Yemen and internationally. These include workshops for global peace influencers, efforts to support the establishment of a media consortium dedicated to peace, scheduled for launch in Cairo next year, and the organisation of visits and delegations to regional countries.

Furthermore, NRM is looking forward to participate in the second consultative meeting for peace initiatives in Yemen, which will take place in Amman this coming October. The conference will feature representatives from various Yemeni governorates and international figures and organisations involved in peace efforts in Yemen and the broader region.

2 June 2024: The National Reconciliation Movement is pleased to announce the launch of the transitional period to prepare for the permanent phase, aiming to restructure the movement after four years of successes and challenges. This launch follows the meeting of the movement’s leadership (the Supervisory Council and track leaders) held today, Sunday, June 2, 2024. It responds to the demands of the current phase and the calls from many members of the movement to reconsider the current structure, regulations, and various literatures of the movement.
The goal is to professionally and thoughtfully transition from the second founding phase, formed at the second preparatory conference (held on April 10, 2021), to the permanent phase, God willing. This launch also results from a careful evaluation of the overall successful and impactful activities of the movement, the performance of its various components, internal and external obstacles, lessons learned, and challenges faced at all levels, while also relying on the founding documents of the movement, its internal regulations, and the statement of the movement’s leadership on May 26, 2024.
During this transitional phase, which will last for six months, the appropriate legal framework for such a transition will be established through the involvement of specialized professional committees from within and outside the movement, as well as national and international experts. This phase will culminate in a general assembly conference, lasting two days, during which a comprehensive vision for the permanent phase will be presented and approved by the conference members with full transparency, adhering to all approved national and international standards.

The main tasks during the transitional phase will include:

1. Formation of Specialized Committees with a Legal and Organizational Nature: To complete the documents of the movement, various founding charters, and internal regulations for the permanent phase.
2. Formation of a Preparatory Committee for the Founding Conference of the Movement: To be held immediately after the end of the transitional period, during which the founding documents for the transition to the permanent phase will be approved.
3. Establishment of an Effective and Sustainable Communication Mechanism: With members of the general assembly in a safe manner that does not expose them to any risks, to keep them informed of the movement’s developments and involve them in the evolution of documents and preparation for the permanent phase.
4. Activation of the Internal Reconciliation Committee: To resolve disputes according to the applicable regulations and support conciliatory efforts among all members at all levels within the movement, based on principles of brotherhood, goodwill, and mutual respect.
5. Review of Member Lists: And the regulations regarding violations of work and conduct rules during the second founding phase and the transitional phase, communication with inactive members, updating databases, and ensuring the confidentiality of information held by the movement about its members according to approved protection protocols.
6. Providing Youth of the Movement with Greater Participation Space: During the transitional phase, ensuring appropriate representation for them in various committees, believing that they are the future leaders of the movement.
7. Expansion of Internal and Public Seminars: Encouraging members of the movement to share their expertise in various specialties through participation in a series of internal or external lectures and seminars.

To enable the movement to carry out its tasks during the transitional phase, the components of the movement during this period will be formed from the executive body, which consists of seven tracks led by a group of founders and Yemeni experts, both men and women, to manage the work of these tracks. Additionally, the transitional body, composed of a group of the movement’s founders, whose main task is to coordinate with the rest of the components to accomplish the transitional phase and fulfill its commitments, and the Council of Elders, which includes a distinguished cadre of Yemeni leaders and experts, and finally, the Administrative Council, which serves as the backbone of the movement’s organizational and administrative operations.

With the launch of the transitional phase, the movement has opened a new chapter in its journey, continuing its successes. We take this opportunity to invite all its members and supporters in Yemen and abroad to work in the spirit of brotherhood and prioritize the interest of the nation above all to achieve the peace we so desperately need today more than ever.

The National Reconciliation Movement (NRM) recently convened a panel discussion titled “Political Tolerance in Yemen and Jarallah Omar’s Legacy in Peaceful Struggle,” underscoring the enduring relevance of Omar’s principles in achieving peace and reconciliation in Yemen. The event, organized by NRM’s political and culture and media tracks, featured esteemed speakers, including Iraqi political figure Dr. Abdul Hussein Shaaban and prominent Yemeni national figure Yahya Hussein Al-Arashi.

Dr. Mahmood Al-Azani, head of NRM’s state-building track, opened the discussion by highlighting Jarallah Omar’s pivotal role in promoting political tolerance and peaceful activism. Dr. Shaaban praised Omar’s unique qualities, describing him as a beacon of national struggle who skillfully balanced radical aspirations with pragmatic political action. He emphasized Omar’s humility and pride as exemplary traits for aspiring national leaders.

Al-Arashi elaborated on Omar’s advocacy for non-violence within the Yemeni Socialist Party, advocating for peaceful civil engagement over confrontational methods. He hailed Omar as a unifying figure who bridged political divides and laid the foundation for collaborative efforts among Yemen’s political factions.

Both speakers emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from Omar’s revolutionary spirit and commitment to peaceful resolution. They urged the NRM to emulate Omar’s unwavering dedication to transformative change and to prioritize peaceful dialogue over armed conflict. They echoed Omar’s belief that the pursuit of peace requires diligent and purposeful civil work, rather than resorting to violence and coercion.

As the NRM continues to navigate challenging circumstances, the speakers emphasized the need to uphold Omar’s legacy and pursue inclusive, consensus-based approaches to peacebuilding. They reaffirmed that achieving lasting peace in Yemen necessitates a commitment to peaceful means and a collective effort to address the diverse interests and visions of all Yemenis. The panel discussion served as a poignant tribute to Jarallah Omar’s enduring influence on Yemen’s quest for peace and reconciliation, inspiring renewed determination among participants to advance his vision of a peaceful and unified Yemen.

In a recent symposium on culture, literature, art, and the republican system in Yemen, hosted by the Culture and Media Track, esteemed Yemeni researcher and writer, Dr. Ali Muhammad Zaid, delivered a thought-provoking address. Dr. Zaid emphasized the pivotal role of intellectuals in shaping Yemen’s cultural landscape and promoting social and political change. He lamented the lack of a strong cultural elite in Yemen and underscored the importance of intellectuals as guardians of the Yemeni dream.

Reflecting on Yemen’s tumultuous history, Dr. Zaid highlighted the transformative impact of the republican system, heralding it as a radical departure from the Imami rule that stifled progress and development. He cautioned against succumbing to despair, urging intellectuals to uphold the dream of a modern, unified Yemen. Dr. Zaid emphasized the need for a clear vision and leadership to guide Yemen towards a brighter future, amidst ongoing conflict and turmoil.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Zaid reiterated the resilience of the Yemeni spirit, asserting that despite challenges, there remains hope for Yemen’s resurgence. He called upon intellectuals to harness their collective will and determination to pave the way for a new era of prosperity and national unity.

The symposium provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and reflection, highlighting the vital role of intellectuals in preserving Yemen’s cultural heritage and steering the nation towards a path of peace and progress.

16 December 2023: In a series of discussion sessions titled “The Form of the Yemeni State and its Impact on War and Peace,” hosted by the state-building track within the National Reconciliation Movement (NRM), leaders of political parties, civil society representatives from the National Dialogue Conference (NDC), experts, and public opinion are to be hosted to explore a systematic vision for sustainable peace in Yemen.

The first session featured Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Saqqaf, Secretary-General of the Yemeni Socialist Party, who emphasized the role of disagreements over the Yemeni state’s form in triggering the crisis that led to war. Al-Saqqaf shared insights into the Yemeni Socialist Party’s stance on the ongoing situation and highlighted the crucial role of civil forces in shaping Yemen’s future, even amid challenges.

Moderated by Dr. Nadia Al-Sakkaf, a member of NRM’s supervisory council, the discussion highlighted the historical context, with Al-Saqqaf explaining how the 1994 war coalition’s resurgence at the NDC, refusing to relinquish control of the center, exacerbated historical grievances for political gain.

Al-Saqqaf underlined the significance of the Joint Meeting Parties’ transition to the government in 2011, leaving a vacuum in the opposition that ultimately contributed to a coup by the forces that filled this vacuum. He stressed the need for civil forces in Yemen to persist in their efforts to restore political stability, citing the National Reconciliation Movement as a positive example.

Encouraging civil forces not to disregard their strengths and to adopt an optimistic approach rooted in national will, Al-Saqqaf expressed confidence that, with continued efforts, the political landscape could transform within a few years.

22 November 2023: In a significant display of commitment and engagement, a number of NRM women leaders and members participated in the first Yemeni Women Consultation Meeting held in Amman from 19 to 21 November 2023.

The event, boasting a gathering of 33 Yemeni women comprising experts, academics, political figures, and civil society activists, was organized by the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen (OSESGY) and UN Women.

The primary objective of the meeting was to collaboratively shape a Yemeni vision conducive to an inclusive peace process. Throughout the three-day session in Amman, participants delved into discussions on confidence-building measures, short- and long-term priorities, and strategies essential for their meaningful involvement in the political process and upcoming negotiations. The overarching goal was to ensure the integration of the women’s agenda into the forthcoming peace agreement. In addition, several other issues were discussed including fostering freedom of movement within Yemen and alleviating restrictions on rights of expression, assembly, and organisation.

17 June 2023: NRM’s political track held a discussion session with Abdul Bari Taher, a leading Yemeni thinker, on the Yemeni crisis and the role of civil forces in stopping the war and reaching peace.

In the session, which was moderated by Nadia Al-Najjar, a member of NRM’s Education Track, Taher pointed out that the danger of war still exists despite the improvement that has occurred since the beginning of the truce, adding that the armed militias and their leaders have no interest in stopping the war and are not serious about seeking peace, and will stand in the face of peace advocates for their interests.

Taher said that the situation of no war and no peace is very dangerous because it drains everyone and establishes grounds for future conflicts, pointing out that the Saudi-Iranian agreement can be an introduction to a promising solution, but no positive results have been reflected so far, and that it will be a great disaster if the regional countries involved in the conflict solve their problems and leave Yemen to its own fate and disavow their responsibility at this stage.

On the Legitimate Government, Taher said that the regional powers are not serious about supporting the Legitimacy, which is being weakened and dismantled in the South by supporting the militias deployed also in Taiz, Marib, Hodeidah, and other places.

Speaking about the political parties in Yemen, Taher said that the parties are divided, they fled the battle before it happened and were distributed on the map of the war and the militias, which are more dependent on the regional conflict and have become part of the problem, he said.

On the forces of peace at home, Taher stressed that the calls for peace are still elitist and do not have a significant impact among the people, and have not yet turned into influential forces in the national arena, and they are weak and dispersed, and did not agree on joint action to have an effective impact, stressing the need to exert all efforts to bring down the barrier of fear among people and turn the rejection of war and the call for peace into a popular act everywhere even if there were sacrifices.

At the end of the meeting, a number of participants expressed their happiness to discuss with a national figure and a great thinker such as Taher and considered his speech an element of inspiration that gave everyone positive energy and a strong spirit to achieve the goals of NRM and its efforts to stop the war and achieve peace, and raised the sense of responsibility to start to find an inclusive framework for all peace initiatives inside and outside Yemen.

24 June 2023: A delegation from NRM-UK met with Major General Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, Vice Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), and President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Birmingham.

In the meeting, which took place in a special session, the delegation presented a brief overview of NRM as a political gathering that works with all peace-devoted forces to end the war in Yemen, address its consequences and promote national reconciliation, review the achievements of the Movement and its current and future projects, and its efforts to draft a political action charter for peace and unify the Yemeni peace forces inside and outside Yemen, and overcome the challenges facing those efforts, in addition to what this meeting represents of building a building block and bridge for future communication between NRM and the PLC as well as the STC.

In the framework of his comment, Al-Zubaidi welcomed the efforts of NRM in various peace projects, and urged efforts to be extensive from within Yemen to have a great impact, stressing that the channels of communication with the PLC and the STC will continue to be available to NRM to activate dialogue and to build on what has been done in the South-South dialogue at the national level in Yemen, stressing the importance of keeping pace with the changes on the ground.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Shadi Basurrah (Head of the Foreign Relations Track), Dr. Fadhl Al-Maghafi (Head of the Political Track), Dr. Mahmood Alazani (Head of the State Building Track), and Dr. Mahdi Motahar (Member of NRM-UK and the Health Track).

21 May 2023: NRM’s political track hosted Mr. Khaled Mahfoudh Bahah, former Vice President and Prime Minister, to highlight the Yemeni crisis, challenges, and opportunities for a solution.

At the beginning of the meeting, which was moderated by Dr. Balqees Abu Asba – a founding member of NRM, Bahah spoke about the political transformations since the Yemeni Consultations in Riyadh last year 2022, and said that the engineering of the new Legitimacy, despite its good intentions, has produced a more difficult and complex situation and that during a year of the Presidential Leadership Council, great challenges have emerged, especially the lack of integration and homogeneity of its components, and the divergence of projects and powers for its members. He added that “all this has not resulted in any tangible positive reflection on the government’s performance”.

Bahah also pointed out that the current truce is important, but it is still conditional. It is threatened to collapse, adding that he fears that it is just tactical to make concessions and whatever could be taken from the Legitimacy, which will be left empty-handed after it has provided everything. He added that if things continue with this performance, “it worries us, and will cost a whole generation of setbacks”.

“Achieving lasting peace is a major task that requires a clear strategy otherwise it will be just in the interest of one party at the expense of the homeland”, Bahah said. He stressed that “we need a comprehensive political track and dialogue similar to what happened in the Kuwait Peace Talks in 2016”.

With regard to the Southern Issue, Bahah said that the equation between the hopes of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and its inclusive nature is an equation so far that is moving towards being dragged into the past rather than into the concept of political action and learning from previous experiences in the South. He noted that the outcomes of the recent Southern Consultations in Aden are advanced in theory, but what is unacceptable is those narcissistic practices carried out by the STC, which are still in contradiction with the outcomes of the Southern Consultations themselves, pointing that the STC’s latest moves in Hadramout and the introduction of armed forces are not familiar actions in Hadramout, and such practices will have immediate and far-reaching repercussions.

As for the Houthis, Bahah said, “I still use the term ‘our Houthi brothers‘ and I did not use any other term despite the challenges we face with them, but the high ceilings do not serve peace, we cannot go to what the Houthis want, but they should come to the dialogue table with the rest of all brothers, and we have a lot of references about the form of the next state, including the draft constitution, and everything can be discussed by dialogue away from the language of violence, for Yemen is for everyone at the end of the matter.