Yesterday - the twentieth anniversary of the country's civil war - in spite of the intense heat and humidity, one of the largest rallies ever, was held in Mukalla. The pro-independence rally was organized by
Al Hirak (the Southern Movement) which has been active in the south since 2007. Schools, government institutions, businesses - were all shut down. The rally was peaceful and was not interrupted by any security personnel.
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| The young heading towards the rally center in the afternoon. |
As in most parts of Yemen, rallies and demonstrations are regularly held in Mukalla. Most are peaceful.
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| On rooftops and in the streets |
The overwhelming majority of those attending were the youth.
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| Near the center of the gathering |
On 22nd of May, 1990 - South and North Yemen united to form the Republic of Yemen. Then, most Southerners were overjoyed and celebrated the event.
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| Near the center of the gathering |
But that joy and celebration didn't last long. War broke out between the South and the North in 1994; the South tried to secede but lost the war and Yemen remained united.
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| Near the center of the gathering |
It's with that war in mind that a rally (since 2007), calling for the South's independence, is held every 27th of April.
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| On rooftops, near the center of the rally |
Arab countries have been very poor at uniting: Egypt and Syria tried to form a union in 1958 but that lasted for only three years until 1961 when Syria seceded.
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| The center of the rally |
Presently, the best form of Arab unity is the
Gulf Corporation Council (GCC); but, even this is very unstable right now. Very hopefully, the GCC countries can overcome their differences and
create a true and realistic Arab unity.
Yemen is a member of several organizations within the GCC. It hopes to be a full member, some times later. The GCC offers the best means and hope, for Yemen to remain united; and to prosper. If only, the whole of the Arabian Peninsular was one, united country - how wonderful and productive that would be?
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| Hassan Baoum and other Hirak leaders at the rally. |
Being as very poor as it is; with its many, enormous security, political and economic challenges; can Yemen remain peaceful for long? Can it succeed in holding itself together and united for long? Only time will tell and only God knows.
