July 17 — The Tenth Anniversary of the Liberation of Aden and the Restoration of the Republic and Its Constitutional Legitimacy
On this glorious day in 2015, the free sons of Yemen inscribed an everlasting chapter in the record of national struggle, when the will of the people triumphed and the temporary capital, Aden, was liberated from the grip of the Houthi coup. The banner of the Republic was raised once again by men who fulfilled their promise to God, sacrificing their lives in the pursuit of restoring the state, preserving dignity, and protecting Yemen’s authentic identity.
The tenth anniversary of Aden’s liberation is not just another date on the calendar of events — it is a defining moment in our national memory, no less significant than the glorious anniversaries of September and October.
It calls for a moment of reverence for the makers of victory, a sincere reflection on our collective responsibility toward the homeland, and a deep contemplation of the path we have taken since breaking free from the chains of the coup.
On this immortal national occasion, we recite prayers for the souls of Yemen’s noble martyrs, and we extend special greetings and gratitude to our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the Republic of Sudan — whose pure blood was shed alongside Yemenis on its sacred soil during the great battle to liberate Aden.
To them, their families, and their loved ones, we offer our deepest condolences and eternal gratitude — along with a solemn pledge that their sacrifices will remain a guiding light in our ongoing struggle to reclaim the state and complete the construction of its institutions.
We also extend a tribute of honor and deep respect to His Excellency President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who stood firm in the face of the storm, upheld the legitimacy of the state, and confronted the coup from the heart of responsibility — not from the margins of history — becoming a symbol of resilience and a leader through the moment of liberation.
And in this moment of truth, we cannot but express our deep regret for the unjust marginalization and exclusion suffered by many honorable men and women — both military and civilian — who bravely took part in the battle and the victory, yet were denied the recognition they deserve, despite their noble sacrifices that remain etched in the nation’s conscience.
Today, as we mark the tenth anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles for which the martyrs gave their lives — foremost among them: establishing security, building the state, restoring sovereignty, unifying the national front, protecting citizens’ rights, safeguarding the gains of the Republic, and confidently advancing toward a future worthy of the sacrifices of the Yemeni people.
On this occasion, we extend our congratulations to the political leadership, represented by His Excellency Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, President of the Presidential Leadership Council, and his fellow council members. We look forward to the success of the new government under the leadership of Mr. Salem Bin Brik, in realizing the people’s aspirations, activating state institutions, and improving service, security, and judicial performance. We also urge the Parliament and the Shura Council to fulfill their legislative and oversight duties with full responsibility and transparency.
Responsibility, however, does not stop with the three branches of government. It extends to political parties and unstructured political forces that seek power-sharing in state institutions, while often failing to hold their representatives accountable within the government and other state organs. Through the National Alliance of Political Parties and Forces, these unstructured political forces must be given a real opportunity to join the alliance — enhancing the presence of genuine national forces in the political arena, and avoiding the repetitive, outdated political practices that have previously led the country to disaster.
The moment of liberation was a crowning of unified will, firm resolve, and true belonging. Today, more than ever, we are in dire need of reviving that same spirit — uniting our efforts, mobilizing qualified national capacities, and crafting a strategic vision that will lift Yemen, restore citizens’ trust in their state, and lay the foundation for a sustainable and effective partnership with our Gulf brothers. A partnership based on deep understanding of Yemen’s complex realities, its national specificities, and its vital security concerns — all within a framework of mutual respect and constructive cooperation.
We also express our sincere appreciation for the international positions — especially those of the United States of America and the United Kingdom — in protecting international navigation in the Red Sea and countering Houthi violations that threaten global economic security and worsen the suffering of our people by disrupting trade and raising the cost of goods and services.
At this pivotal moment, we remind ourselves that loyalty to the martyrs is not expressed through slogans, but through responsible policies. Preserving the victory of Aden is a test of leadership, a measure of legitimacy, and a trust before God — and before the people and history.
May Allah have mercy on our noble martyrs, heal our wounded, protect our beloved Yemen from all evil, and make the sacrifices of its people a bridge to freedom, dignity, and a just state.
Peace and blessings be upon you all.
Prof. Dr. Mohammed Ali Marm
Former Director of the Presidential Office
Representative of the Supreme Commander during the Liberation of the Capital Aden
July 17, 2025
