Yemen.. Parliament Approves Declaration of General Mobilization to Face Houthi Escalation

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The Yemeni Parliament approved today, Monday, the request of the President of the Presidential Leadership Council and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Rashad Al-Alimi, to declare a general mobilization, in a move aimed at confronting the Houthi military escalation and protecting citizens, defending the republican system, constitutional legitimacy, the sovereignty of the country, and the safety of its territories.

The decision came during an extensive meeting of the Parliament via video conference, chaired by the Speaker of the Council, Sultan Al-Barakani, which was dedicated to discussing the ongoing developments on both the national and regional fronts, in light of what the Council described as "extremely complicated" situations that require unifying ranks and overcoming differences.

The Parliament's decision stipulated the approval of Al-Alimi's request to declare a general mobilization, to be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, the decision to transfer power, and the laws governing general reserve, the National Defense Council, and civil defense.

According to the decision, the general mobilization will take effect from the date of its declaration and will end with the cessation of the reasons that necessitated it.

Al-Alimi called for a general mobilization in a speech on September 25, before he directed an urgent memorandum to the House of Representatives on September 27, requesting approval to declare it, including the justifications and reasons that necessitate taking this step.

The House of Representatives stated that it studied the request in light of the "numerous risks" facing the country due to the war waged by the Houthi group, and the resulting dangers to the lives, property, security, and stability of citizens.

The parliament based its approval on constitutional and legal provisions that regulate the declaration of general mobilization and states of war and emergency, primarily Article 37 of the constitution related to general mobilization and Article 119 regarding the powers of the President in declaring a state of emergency and mobilization.

It also relied on the law establishing the National Defense Council, which empowers the council to assess states of war and emergency and total or partial mobilization and to take related measures.

According to the provisions stated by the House of Representatives, the National Defense Council is considered to be in continuous session upon declaring general mobilization, and it is responsible for directly handling all matters related to mobilization and overseeing its implementation.

The House of Representatives emphasized that the current developments require various political forces to overcome differences and work "as one man," coordinating with the coalition led by Saudi Arabia in facing the Houthis.

The council framed the declaration of mobilization within what it described as the battle to defend the "revolution, unity, and republican system," praising the resilience of Yemenis and their rallying around the constitutional legitimacy led by Al-Alimi.

The parliament also renewed its condemnation of the Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, considering that targeting the security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states represents a "serious escalation" that threatens regional security and stability.

The council appreciated the support of the coalition led by Saudi Arabia for Yemen, and its assistance to the Yemeni authorities in restoring state institutions and ending the Houthi coup.