Yemenis home and abroad are faintly celebrating the 40th anniversary of the founding of the General People's Congress (GPC), one of the largest political parties in Yemen. The reason behind this is that the GPC has faced fragmentation over the years and lost its decision-making power to Houthi militias.
Marking the occasion on August 24, GPC leaders kept exchanging cables of congratulations.
Founded by the slain Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the GPC was used as a political lever to rule the country for over three decades. This stopped at the death of Saleh on December 4, 2017, at the hands of the Houthi militia.
Many observers of Yemeni affairs believe that the party can still be a figure in shaping the country's future.
However, the GPC needs to first overcome internal divisions that have splintered the party into different wings vying for leadership.
According to Sanaa-based GPC sources, Houthi militias have barred GPC leaders from holding any form of celebration to mark the party’s 40th.
Despite banning the usual rallies, Houthis allowed GPC leaders to broadcast messages regarding the anniversary on Houthi-run media, sources revealed.
Moreover, the official statement issued by GPC leaders in Sana’a avoided mentioning Saleh and stressed that Sadiq Abu Ras is the legitimate head of the party.
Ras had previously affirmed his continued alliance with the Houthi militias.
GPC leaders in Taiz Governorate announced that they had withdrawn from holding a celebration on the occasion.
Meanwhile, some party leaders and activists contented themselves with holding a humble celebration in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. The event was attended by one of Saleh's sons.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Yemeni journalist Abdullah al-Snami said that the GPC is going through its worst days since its foundation.
Snami admitted that the party hasn’t enjoyed the same influence after the death of Saleh in 2017.
