A dialogue session titled “Analyzing Historical Reconciliation Experiences in the Yemeni Conflict: Impacts and Lessons Learned” was held in Ma’rib on Saturday, bringing together a diverse group of academics, politicians, human rights advocates, and activists to discuss one of the most sensitive issues in Yemen’s modern history: the path of reconciliation and transitional justice.
The event was organized as part of the Transitional Justice Ambassadors Forum, within the framework of the SPARK Project implemented by the Abductees’ Mothers Association in partnership with SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties and the DT Institute.
An Open Dialogue on the Wounds of the Past
Over four hours of discussion and interaction, participants reviewed key milestones in Yemen’s conflict history since the 1960s—beginning with the September 1962 Revolution, the January 1986 events in the South, the 1994 civil war, the Sa’dah wars (2004–2010), the February 2011 revolution, and finally the 2014 coup and the ensuing full-scale war that has continued since 2015.
In one of the most resonant interventions, a human rights participant remarked:
“Every stage in our history has left a scar on the body of the nation, but recognizing those scars is the first step toward healing.”
The session began with an introduction outlining its objectives and themes, which had been shared with participants in advance. Attendees were later divided into working groups to examine the roots and causes of Yemen’s conflicts, before presenting recommendations that reflected a wide range of perspectives across ideological and regional lines.
Toward a Yemeni Model of Transitional Justice
Discussions focused on how to adapt transitional justice to Yemen’s social and cultural context—not as a trial of the past, but as an opportunity to rebuild societal trust.
Participants emphasized that justice should not be selective or vengeful but should be grounded in reconciliation, accountability, and community participation.
The groups also discussed the role of regional and international interventions in complicating Yemen’s trajectory, while reviewing successful reconciliation experiences from South Africa, Rwanda, and Tunisia, with attention to how such models could be adapted to Yemen’s local realities.
In relation to political processes, discussions revisited key milestones of national reconciliation, including the Gulf Initiative and Transitional Charter (2011), the National Dialogue Conference (2013–2014), tribal mediation efforts, local reconciliations, and the Stockholm and Riyadh Agreements.
Session Outcomes and Recommendations
After extensive discussion, participants issued several key recommendations, including:
- Strengthening community dialogue and exchange of experiences on transitional justice.
- Conducting in-depth studies of Yemen’s current reality to identify practical pathways for implementing transitional justice.
- Drawing lessons from history to avoid repeating cycles of conflict and to reinforce a culture of accountability.
- Establishing an independent court and linking justice with sustainable development efforts.
- Rejecting the notion of “victor’s justice,” ending hostilities, and developing a unique Yemeni model of transitional justice that respects diversity and national identity.
- Empowering civil society and connecting justice to political settlements in pursuit of lasting peace.
- Adapting international experiences to suit Yemen’s conditions and societal needs.
Justice That Embraces Peace
In conclusion, participants agreed that transitional justice is not merely a legal process but a bridge toward lasting peace, one that repairs what has been broken and restores trust among Yemenis.
They called for unified national efforts to develop a Yemeni-led vision of justice, inspired by lessons from the past and guided by hope for a just and humane future.
This session is part of the ongoing activities of the Transitional Justice Ambassadors Forum, under the SPARK Project, which aims to promote a culture of justice and peace by engaging Yemen’s diverse political and social actors in shaping a fairer and more humane future for the country.