Barran Press
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Sultan al-Barakani, the Speaker of the Yemeni Parliament, expressed his hope to see the President and members of the Presidential Leadership Council don military uniforms to combat the Houthi militias, which he referred to as "the forces of tyranny." He called for the cessation of internal divisions and a unified effort to overthrow the Houthi insurgents.
Al-Barakani made these remarks during a speech at an event organized by the political office of the National Resistance in Mocha, Taiz Governorate, marking the seventh anniversary of the December 2 uprising, which was initiated by former President Ali Abdullah Saleh against the Houthis and ended with his death two days later.
In his speech, monitored by Barran Press, al-Barakani expressed confidence in the eventual defeat of the Houthis, stating that they have "oppressed and devastated the Yemeni people, stripping them of their basic necessities and joy." He emphasized that life under Houthi rule has become one of mourning, sorrow, and imprisonment.
He addressed the members of the Presidential Leadership Council, stating, "I hope to see you in military attire, confronting Iran's proxies and dismantling their sectarian and regional projects." He urged the council to maintain their resolve and wise decisions to defeat the coup, reiterating that there can be no path to Sana'a without overcoming the Houthis.
Al-Barakani stressed that the Houthis are not genuine partners for peace and that proposals for agreements are futile. He lamented that while the Yemeni people yearn for peace, the Houthi group remains entrenched in violence and oppression, having inherited this legacy from their forebears.
He remarked that the time for unity and the restoration of the state is now, asserting that the Houthis have crossed all boundaries and that their downfall is imminent. He called for a "battle for dignity and pride," aimed at restoring the republican and democratic state.
Reflecting on the legacy of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, al-Barakani noted that Saleh remained committed to the republic until his martyrdom on December 2, fighting against the Iranian project and its Houthi affiliates. He concluded that although the December 2 uprising faced challenges, it planted the seeds of resistance that the Yemeni people continue to nurture in their struggle for a free and united Yemen.
The event in Mocha was attended by various officials, including Justice Minister Badr al-Areda and several leaders from parties aligned with the Yemeni legitimacy.