Speech by His Excellency the President on the 58th Anniversary of Independence Day

  Aden

O great people of Yemen,

On the 58th anniversary of the glorious Independence Day, the 30th of November, I extend to you, on my behalf and on behalf of my colleagues in the Presidential Leadership Council and the government, our warmest congratulations. We also express our deep pride in the struggles of the heroes of independence who restored Yemen’s dignity, raised the banner of freedom over Aden and other cities of beloved South Yemen, and opened a new chapter in the history of our great nation.

The 30th of November was the culmination of a remarkable national struggle, an extension of the spirit of the September 26 and October 14 revolutions, and a confirmation of the unity of Yemenis in their pursuit of freedom, justice, and human dignity. It is a day on which we restore the true meaning of the state Yemenis aspire to: a state of equal citizenship, fair participation in power and wealth, protection of rights and freedoms, and empowerment of people in determining their political status and achieving economic and social development.

Dear citizens,

Our celebration comes as our nation confronts one of the most difficult periods in its history, while forces of tyranny and the new Imamate attempt to drag us back to their dark past with the support of the Iranian regime and its destructive project across the region.

Despite all the suffering caused by the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist militia, we are more confident than ever in our people’s ability to prevail. The safe and stable Yemen we all seek is now closer than it has ever been, thanks to the determination of our brave citizens, the heroes of our armed forces, and the steadfast support of our loyal brothers in the Coalition to Support Legitimacy, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who have been steadfast allies in both good and difficult times.

We in the Presidential Leadership Council and the government fully understand the grievances of our people in the southern governorates and their dedication to their just national cause. We affirm that the state leadership embraces this cause with a responsible spirit, far from political maneuvering or exclusionary tendencies.

Just as the people of the South were at the forefront of the struggle for independence, they remain today the cornerstone in building the future and establishing a modern civil state founded on good governance, decentralization, and equal opportunity.

O great people of Yemen,

On this glorious occasion, we renew our salute to the martyrs and heroes of independence, and to the martyrs of the ongoing national battle to defend the republican system. We also salute the heroes of our armed forces and security, all military formations, and everyone who has shed blood for this precious homeland.

I call on all of you to hold on to hope, strengthen cohesiveness, avoid politicizing just causes, and support state institutions. I urge everyone to work together for a new Yemen—free, safe, just, and prosperous—worthy of its heroes and the sacrifices of its people, and capable of regaining its rightful place in its Gulf, Arab, and international environment.

Glory to the Republic,

Mercy to our righteous martyrs,

Healing to the wounded and freedom to the detainees,

Peace be upon you