Yemen: Information on the Yemeni Institute for the Development of Democracy
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 December 1997 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | YEM28294.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Yemen: Information on the Yemeni Institute for the Development of Democracy, 1 December 1997, YEM28294.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aced68.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to the Middle East News Items
Yemen's Ministry of Culture and Tourism has formally endorsed the Yemeni Institute for the Development of Democracy's newly formed board of trustees. This move came after the new board has submitted a file of the relevant legal procedures to the Ministry, which explained the benefits and reforms that will result from the new changes. The former secretary-general, Ahmed al-Soofi is officially no longer in charge of the YIDD. Dr. Mohammed al-Maytami was chosen as the president of the new board and Mr. Saeed Hamood Munasser as the new secretary-general. Other members of the board include Ms. Fayiza Abdulraqeed (Aden branch), Ahmed Saleh Al-Hajj, Mohammed Ibraheem Sudam, Dr. Saleem Al-Tamini, Dr. Salah Haddash, Ms. Aneesa Ghanim, Ali Al-Daylami, Dr. Ghaylan Al-Sharjabi and Hassan Al-Haifi (8 Sept. 1997).
In its 28 August 1997 issue, the Middle East News Items reports that
Mr. Ahmed Al-Soufi, the former Secretary-General of the Yemeni Institute for Development of Democracy (YIIDD), refuses to let go. The newly-elected team, headed by the well -respected Prof. - Dr. Mohammed Al-Maitami, have asked Mr. Al-Soufi to fade away peacefully. To cover up for all his shortcomings, Al-Soufi is passing out rumors that the government is trying to get his hide.
The following information was provided during a 9 December 1997 telephone interview with a professor at the Department of Political Science, University of New Hampshire, Durham, who specializes on the democratic process in Yemen and is a member of the American Institute for Yemeni Studies. The professor, who travels to Yemen regularly, has published articles on Yemen in several publications such as the Arab Studies Quarterly.
The professor stated that the Yemeni Institute for the Development of Democracy was founded by Ahmed al-Sufi in 1993. The Institute conducts social science research and promotes democracy through educational interventions. The Institute still exists today in Yemen.
The professor was invited to a conference to be held in Sanaa at the Taj Sheba Hotel and organized by the Institute in the summer of 1997. The conference was cancelled due to a scheduling error by the hotel management. The members of the Institute and some of the participants held a small demonstration in front of the hotel in protest. The professor, who witnessed the small demonstration, stated that there were no police, no government officials and no arrests due to the demonstration. The professor was not aware of any harassment of members of the Yemeni Institute for the Development of Democracy.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Middle East News Items. 8 September 1997. "Yemeni Institute For The Development of Democracy." (NEXIS)
_____. 28 August 1997. "Former Secretary-General of the Institute For Development of Democracy Refuses to Leave." (NEXIS)
Professor, Department of Political Science, University of New Hampshire, Duhram. 9 December 1997. Telephone interview.