The alliance of the Yemeni pro-revolution tribes was declared on Saturday in Change Square outside Sana’a University in the capital Sana’a, at a time when fears about the future of Yemen are growing.
On Friday, the UN envoy to Yemen, Jamal bin Omar, warned of bad consequences if the Yemeni political forces can’t bring an immediate solution to their country’s problems.
“The Yemeni political forces now have two options: to reach a compromise accepted by all to start necessary steps for a practical transitional period or to face danger of the collapse of the country or Somalizing it,” he said in a press conference.
At the declaration ceremony, sheikh Sadeq Al-Ahmer, head of Hashid who was selected as head of the alliance, vowed to stand up to Saleh to prevent him from ruling.
“Saleh and his sons will not rule us as long as we are alive,” Al-Ahmer said, pointing out that the tribal pro-revolution alliance is open to all and its objective is to defend the popular revolution, contribute to ousting the regime and building a modern, civil Yemen.
Moreover, he urged to support the tribes of Arhab on the outskirts of Sana’a where the army has been shelling villages and fighting tribesmen for months.
The alliance and support document urged other Yemeni tribes to join the alliance to participate in protecting the goals of the popular youth-led revolution seeking a civil state.
Prominent tribal elders and sheikhs attended the ceremony.
Furthermore, the tribes called on Yemen’s neighbors and world countries to stand by the Yemeni people, as they warned against any aggression, suppression or collective punishment of the Yemeni people. “We will not stay idly if something dangerous or illegal targets the people,” they said.
The document said that responding to aggression by all possible means is the duty of every tribesman who should sacrifice souls and funds.