Angry Yemenis feel ignored

Chiara Onassis | 27 April 2012

SANA’A: In the midst of much political maneuvering and the announcement of yet presidential decrees to come, many Yemenis feel somewhat cheated.

As many told Bikyamasr.com, although they did wanted a change of regime and the departure of President Alia Abdullah Saleh from power, they are worry that by getting rid of one dictator they are inviting another in.

And indeed the more Saleh and the General People’s Congress, aka the ruling party are being pushed on the sideline politically, the more powerful al-Islah, Yemen Islamic faction, which is led by al-Ahmar family is gaining in strength.

Al-Ahmar family who for year had had its eyes on the presidential chair stood last year behind most of the protests, directing and organizing the political opposition as well as the Youth movement.

 “True we don’t like Saleh much but we don’t want leaders who have ties with al-Qaeda to control the country either. Right now we feel as if it is Saleh or al-Ahmar, and frankly, Saleh is much better,” said Ali Manghery, an accountant and member of the Independent Youth.

Worries are growing in Yemen as some recent ministerial decisions marked a shift in favor of al-Islah which do not in the least coincide with people wishes for reforms. For example, while millions are at food risk, the Finance Minister just agreed to release $5 million to the construction of a Mosque within the ground of al-Eman University, an institution who belongs to Sheikh al-Zindani, a wanted terrorist and al-Islah member.

 “As you can see al-Islah cares little for the people of Yemen,” said Ali.