Qahtan's Fate: Abdul-Malik Al-MikhlafiWarns Against Speculation in Negotiations

The fate of Yemeni politician Mohammed Qahtan remains shrouded in uncertainty as negotiations for a prisoner exchange between the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels continue in Muscat, Oman.

Abdulmalik al-Mikhlafi, Deputy Head of the Yemeni Consultation and Reconciliation Authority, has strongly criticized any attempts to build agreements on Qahtan's fate based on speculation. He declared, "It is unacceptable to build agreements on the fate of the politician Mohammed Qahtan based on probabilities. It is morally reprehensible to promote them, legally wrong to accept them, and politically unacceptable to agree to them in negotiations with a party that kidnapped and concealed Qahtan and knows exactly where he is."

Al-Mikhlafi's statement on his account on "X" and seen by Barran Press, comes in response to reports that the two sides have reached an understanding in Muscat to release Qahtan in exchange for 50 Houthi prisoners or 50 bodies if he is deceased.

He insists that revealing Qahtan's location is non-negotiable and must precede any exchange agreement. "It is wrong to determine the price for his release in this manner, which lacks prudence and morality and violates his human rights, the rights of his family, the rights of the entire community, and the rights of humanity," he stated.

Al-Mikhlafi emphasized that the Houthis must disclose Qahtan's location ten years after his disappearance as a fundamental starting point for any "all-for-all" agreement. This disclosure, he argues, would serve as a testament to the Houthis' credibility in light of their responsibility for his abduction and enforced disappearance.

The UN Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen confirmed the parties' agreement on procedures for releasing detainees, including Qahtan. The office described the current round of negotiations as "positive and constructive" and urged both sides to continue with a sense of responsibility to achieve tangible results leading to the release of all detainees based on the "all-for-all" principle.

Meanwhile, the Yemeni government delegation confirmed reaching an agreement with the Houthis on the exchange of 50 Houthi prisoners for Qahtan. The agreement was reportedly witnessed by the UN.

The Yemeni Islah Party, a major political party in Yemen, has also expressed concern for Qahtan's well-being. Adnan al-Adini, the party's media spokesperson, asserted that they possess "confirmed information" that Qahtan is alive and held in Houthi prisons. He held the Houthis fully accountable for Qahtan's safety, particularly after what he described as "immoral" statements made by some Houthi leaders. He stressed that Qahtan's immediate release is a top priority.

Qahtan, a prominent leader in the Islah Party, was abducted from his home in Sana'a in April 2015. His family has not been able to contact him since his detention and remains unaware of his whereabouts.

The current prisoner exchange negotiations are the latest attempt to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which has been ravaged by a civil war since 2014. The conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, leaving millions needing aid.