A coalition of more than 75 groups is making a multi-pronged push to end the Yemen war which has received minimal scrutiny but has killed hundreds of thousands of Yemenis as the U.S. has armed Saudi Arabia.
The coalition just put out a statement: “Sen. Warren, House Reps, to Address International Rally Saturday re: Ending U.S. Military Role in Yemen War.”
AISHA JUMAAN, aisha@yemenfoundation.org, @AishaJumaan
ISAAC EVANS-FRANTZ, isaac@actioncorps.org, @theactioncorps
Jumaan is president of the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation. Evans-Frantz is with Action Corps.
The coalition states: “As the March 25th eighth anniversary of the Saudi-led bombing and blockade of Yemen approaches, activists” in numerous cities will be joining in local rallies and a joint one online — see coalition website for more information and specifics on the rallies.
Evans-Frantz said: “This month’s Saudi-Iran deal presents a unique opportunity for peace in Yemen.”
During this month’s Yemen war protests, activists called on federal lawmakers to introduce a new Yemen War Powers Resolution. If brought to the floor for a vote, the coalition states: “Congress could order the president to end U.S. participation in the catastrophic conflict, which the U.S. has enabled for eight years. Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Jayapal and Sen. Sanders sponsored last year’s bipartisan bill, which was cosponsored by over 130 members of Congress.
“Despite the current pause in bombings in Yemen since April 2022, there is no structure to prevent Saudi Arabia from resuming airstrikes, nor to permanently end the Saudi-led blockade of Yemen. The U.S. has enabled Saudi Arabia and the UAE to subject the Yemeni people to over 25,000 air raids. Activists describe the Yemen War Powers Resolution as the most effective way for Congress to stop enabling the war on Yemen, including ending the Saudi blockade.
“Starvation and disease are a daily presence in Yemen; millions of children are malnourished and two-thirds of the country is in need of humanitarian aid. Saudi Arabia’s blockade drives the crisis. For example, almost no containerized goods have been able to enter Yemen’s principal port of Hodeida since 2017, depriving the Yemeni people of needed medical supplies and other essential goods.”
Jumaan said: “The Saudi-led war on Yemen could not have started or continued, for eight years, without U.S. support. The war was announced from Washington D.C., and it is time that its end is also announced from D.C.”