NYN | News
Yemeni Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman has accused Presidential Leadership Council member Tareq Saleh of concentrating his military and political efforts along the coast of Taiz governorate, as part of a project aimed at establishing an autonomous coastal entity.
In statements posted on her social media platforms, Karman said that Tareq Saleh and his brother Ammar were not brought to Tihama to launch an offensive toward Sana’a, but rather to create a new mini-state that allows them to dominate the coastal areas and impose a new reality that marginalizes the original inhabitants, in order to serve foreign agendas and interests. She added that these arrangements enjoy external support, alluding to the United Arab Emirates.
She pointed out that what she described as “military entrenchment” in areas such as Mokha is part of what she views as attempts to control Taiz’s only maritime lifeline. She warned that Taiz could be turned into a closed and besieged region if its access to the sea is restricted.
Karman also spoke about Tareq Saleh’s military background, noting that the developments following the December 2017 events, which ended with the death of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, gave Tareq an opportunity to return to the scene by positioning himself on the western coast. She indicated that this period witnessed a reorganization of his forces.
She further expressed concerns over what she described as “unjust demographic and investment changes” in the coastal areas, accusing both local and foreign actors of attempting to impose projects that do not serve the people of Tihama or Taiz.
Karman added that the talk of establishing an airport and urban development projects on the coast raises questions about land ownership and project revenues, especially amid the exclusion of the indigenous population from decision-making centers and economic benefits.
She concluded her statement by emphasizing that what is happening along Yemen’s western coast requires a comprehensive national review to ensure the protection of rights and fair participation in the management of resources and access points.
