NDI today strongly condemned the ongoing use of violence by Yemeni security forces against protestors throughout the country and called upon the Yemeni government to cease the attacks immediately.
The Institute is extremely concerned by today’s live fire attack against protestors at Sana’a University by security forces and government loyalists that left at least 40 dead and hundreds wounded. NDI is also concerned about the potential for violence to escalate further.
The Republic of Yemen, which has a vibrant civil society, diverse political parties, and a history of credible elections, has the potential for a negotiated path to greater democracy. The reform proposals advanced by various factions in the government and opposition have more areas of commonality than difference. Opposition parties, anti-government demonstrators and President Ali Abdullah Saleh are all in agreement on the need for constitutional reform, the establishment of a coalition government and the adoption of a parliamentary system.
This opportunity should not be squandered and the right path forward should be pursued: an immediate cessation of violence against peaceful protestors; implementation of confidence building measures; and a return to meaningful, substantive negotiations with clear benchmarks and timelines for reform.
