Barran Press
Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad Al-Alimi on Monday urged religious leaders and preachers to refrain from dragging houses of worship into political disputes. He emphasized the right of citizens to express their opinions and engage in constructive criticism, as long as it remains within the legal framework and respects national institutions.
Al-Alimi made these remarks during a meeting with a group of scholars, imams, mosque preachers, and the province's reconciliation committee at the Republican Palace in Mukalla, Hadhramaut. The meeting was also attended by Leadership Council member Othman Majali.
According to the official Yemeni News Agency (Saba), Al-Alimi addressed the Hadhramaut religious figures, stating, "We have listened to many problems and proposals from you in our previous meeting, and we hope that many of these obstacles have been eased because Hadhramaut is an example of self-reliance, innovation, and problem-solving."
He further emphasized the importance of open and honest discussions, saying, "We are accustomed to our meetings with you not being about flattery, but rather about responsible discussions regarding challenges and advising on what is necessary to strengthen our security and enhance our internal agreements."
Al-Alimi highlighted the significant role of religious leaders and preachers, emphasizing that they are not just preachers and guides but also thinkers, reformers, and social reformers. He praised Hadhramaut's history as a center of enlightenment, stating, "It has been a major hub for Islamic knowledge and thought for centuries, with its schools of thought and jurisprudence that we should learn from and draw upon."
He stressed the importance of unity in the face of the Houthi threat, saying, "The Leadership Council, the government, and all Yemenis rely heavily on the role of scholars and the reconciliation committee in strengthening and maximizing the national front to confront the destructive Iranian-backed Houthi project in the region." He urged them to double their efforts in rejecting division based on sectarian, tribal, or regional lines, including what he called "pre-Islamic tribalism."
Al-Alimi warned against engaging with Houthi rumors and misleading narratives, particularly their false claims regarding the Central Bank and Yemenia Airways decisions.
Several scholars present at the meeting emphasized the role of the state and preachers in promoting unity, moderation, and rejecting division. They also highlighted the importance of keeping religious discourse separate from any political disputes.
Al-Alimi's visit to Hadhramaut, his second since the Leadership Council assumed power in April 2022, comes as the oil-rich province faces significant financial and developmental challenges stemming from Houthi attacks on oil facilities, export ports, cargo ships, and international shipping lanes.
Upon his arrival, Al-Alimi affirmed the Leadership Council and government's understanding of Hadhramaut's financial situation, stressing their commitment to sharing in both successes and failures, rather than avoiding responsibility.