Yemeni Unity 16 Years On – A Reflection

Yemeni history goes back to the very dawn of civilization. Yemen, however, was fully unified, politically, in 1990, into Republic of Yemen. This year the city of Hodeida, also known as the "Bride of the Red Sea" hosted the celebrations on the occasion of the 16th Anniversary of the Yemeni Unification.

The 1990s saw important international and regional changes. Yemenis took advantage of them and on 22nd May 1990 unified into a single state, a long cherished dream of the Yemeni people. Yemen is maturing into a new form and is slowly growing into its newly-found statehood. The general rule of 20 years allocated for a state’s maturity is just one of the time period that can be traced throughout history.

The goals and wishes outlined by the Yemeni President in his address to the nation for the occasion, point not just to the present day reality of the Republic of Yemen, but to the next five year that will begin to shape the country, the Yemeni space, and the larger Arab and EuroAsian and global geopolitical climate. Still, major elements are still taking shape that will allow Yemen to fully grow into its new role. Saleh’s speech to Yemen is important because it was an appeal to the young and upcoming generation. This new generation will attempt to forge a new identity and direction for Yemeni unity. There is no doubt that Yemen sees itself as a rising power in the region. And rightly so..

The most important element is the generational change. Those born after 22nd May, 1990 will become soon visible in Yemen’s political, economic and military establishment. The younger generation has much in common with other youths around the world now. This new generation has begun to mature in the age of internet, wider access and familiarity with technology exemplified by computer and personal electronics, the spread of democratic principles and values, general familiarity with market economy and its global presence and greater educational choices.

That’s is why the Yemeni President concentrated on specific pillars that he hopes will underpin the rise and maturity of Yemen in the next several decades. This young generation – the future of Yemen if all trends prevalent today continue – is only now maturing when it comes to various opportunities that have opened up to them since 1990. In the next five years or so, this generation will begin to reap then benefits – or pitfalls – of recent economic and social policies put in action, and will become more confident in their economic, social and political standing. Soon the young Yemeni generation will make the next step and will become a powerful voice in Yemen’s economy, politics and society.

The celebrations begun with an exclusive open air musical and art festival, singing, poetry and folk dances from across Yemen, in Hodeida. The main celebration took place in the evening of 22nd May with an elaborate musical festival. In the presence of Yemeni President, local and foreign dignitaries, several hundred students and several thousands youth from the Hodeida Governorate presented themes from the life of Yemen since the Unification.

Hodeidah is Yemen’s fourth city in population and certainly the most modern in the Tihama. It developed as the leading port of Ottomans when the coffee trade at Mukha dwindled. It grew rapidly into commercial center and an university city. Hodeida today is a large commercial port, a major center for fishing and is serving also the capital of the Tihama region and the Governorate of Hodeidah.

Along the apron of the south western Arabian Peninsula, facing the Red Sea, lie the coastal lowland known as the Tihamah. The Tihama is an arid zone along the Red Sea. Lush vegetation is found in the main wadis, Mawr, Surdud, Siham and Zabid. Life is concentrated on the edges, the edges of foothills, wadis, the coastline, near mangrove swamps and wherever fresh water can be found. Dates, coconuts, and fruits are grown throughout the area, and oranges, papayas, bananas, lemons in low lying land.

YEMEN IN BRIEF
Official title: The Republic of Yemen
Area: 474,580 km2
Coastal Line: 2,009 km
Major cities: Sana`a, (capital), Aden, Taiz, Hodeida, Mukalla, Ibb, and Hajja
Population: 20 million according to 2000 census
Population Distribution: urban areas 26,5 %, Rural areas 73,5 %, mostly consisting of small agglomerations
Climate: Hot and humid along the west and south east coast, moderate in western Mountains
Work force in: Agriculture 53 %
Public service 17 %
Construction 7 %
Manufacturing 4 %
Other 19 %
Natural resources: oil, mineral resources, fisheries, natural gas
Economy: Crude oil refining, cement, fisheries, livestock, agricultural products
Tourism: Archeology, natural scenery, unique architecture, deserts
Currency: Yemeni Riyal
Legistlative: legislative assembly with 111 seats, Shura council and 301 seat of House Representative

Photograph is picturing the Yemeni Red Sea port of Hodeida, also known as "the Bride of the Red Sea"