The 2011 Yemeni protests followed the initial stages of the Tunisian Revolution and occurred at the same time as the Egyptian Revolution in early 2011. The protesters originally fought against unemployment, economic conditions, corruption, and the government’s proposals to modify the constitution of Yemen. The protests escalated, and those involved called for President Ali Abdullah Saleh to resign.
Ali Abdullah Saleh has been president of Yemen for more than 30 years. It is believed that his son Ahmed Saleh is being groomed to replace him. On 2 February 2011, the president stated that he would not pass on his powers to his son and that he would quit in 2013.
Yemen is facing a conflict with al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and a revolt from secessionists in southern Yemen who wish to see the old South Yemen become a nation again. There is also a Shia Houthi rebellion in the north of the country; they seek independence as well.
Almost half the Yemeni population lives on less than $2 a day, and one-third suffer from chronic hunger; there is a great popular movement because of this. Some political parties would like to see reform under President Saleh, while students and human rights activists wish to continue the momentum of other uprisings and change leaders. The popular movement is not organized or supported by the political parties and is therefore relatively weak.
Yemeni protesters wore pink to symbolize their non-violent intent. It is supposedly meant to represent love and to signal peaceful revolutions. Despite original intentions, there have been at least 112 deaths and 1,000 injuries.
Definitions:
- Constitution of Yemen: Defines Yemen as being a country that follows the sharia, or Islamic law, as the basis of all laws.
- Popular movement: A type of group action involving protesters in a nation that focus on the social and political issues of said country. It is the manifestation of carrying out, resisting, or undoing a social change.
- Political movement: The trend in politics of a nation.
Written By: Daniella
