By Robert Carter
Not well known outside of Yemen, Saleh Ali Al-Sammad built an incredible legacy within the short few years of his reign as President of the Houthi Ansarullah-led government in Yemen.
However, understanding his life and the legacy his martyrdom left behind could be the key to understanding why peace remains elusive for Yemen and why the UN-led effort for a political solution is a total failure.
From humble beginnings
A humble fellow of modest beginnings, Al-Sammad hailed from a small village in Yemen's northern Saada province, which is also the home of the Houthi Ansarullah movement.
A father to six children, he was well educated in Quranic recitation and became famous for his piety and devout faith in Islam.
Sammad studied Islamic theology in Saada and was a student of Sayed Badreddin al-Houthi, believed to have kick-started the Houthi Ansarullah rebellion of 2004.
Sammad quickly established himself as a fearless fighter and a rising political star of the movement but during the 2007 insurgency lost two of his brothers.
Yet, in a clear break from Yemen's Zaidi historical traditions, Al-Sammad rose to political leadership while also not being among the Hashemis - descendants of the Islamic prophet Muhammad's family.
Al-Sammad went on to lead his nation during the turbulent years following the Yemeni revolution of 2014-2015.
Election as President
On 15 August 2016, Al-Samad was elected President in the capital city Sanaa by the Supreme Political Council.
The council was set up following the Ansarullah-led revolution which forced the Saudi-backed regime of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi from power amid claims of illegitimacy.
The SPC is a coalition of political and tribal groups from different sects and ideologies, all of whom condemn Saudi-led aggression.
Al-Sammad was additionally recognised by Sanaa's Parliament after delivering his presidency oath on 16th August 2016, which gave him the local legal legitimacy.
A massive demonstration supporting the newly established government took place in Sanaa on 20th August 2016 and annually on the same date in 2017 and 2018.
For the next two years, Al-Sammad was tasked with leading the country through the devastating Saudi-led war.
Building a legacy
Reportedly described as a "man of peace" by UN special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths, Al-Sammad would win the admirations of millions in Yemen.
A passionate orator, Al-Sammad would wow spectators during his many speeches. Creating a celebrate like status.
During his rallies, Al-Samad often addressed the people of Yemen directly, expressing loyalty, love, steadfastness, dedication and sincerity to them.
In an interview with Ansarullah's website, Ahmed Hamed, head of the Presidential Office, said that the martyr Al-Sammad represented a school of values, good morals and good qualities. He also managed to embrace everyone with no exceptions.
"When you sit with him, you witness yourself in front of a dear brother who loves you and respects you. He is very humble to the extent where you do not feel that you are in front of a president."
"He does not bear hatred against his brothers, is fair toward his opponents, accepts criticism and admits being wrong if so and always senses the extent of the responsibility he bears and fears ever neglecting."
In keeping with the spirit of the revolution, Al-Sammad famously said: "If Saleh Al-Samad is martyred, the next day his kids have to go back to their village because they will not have any place to sleep here (in Sanaa), and this is a great blessing from God."
A refreshing message for Yemenis who have for centuries either been ruled by royal dynasties or military dictatorships.
The assassination
And so, on the 19th April 2018, the former Yemeni President, Saleh Al-Sammad, was killed when a Saudi-coalition air raid targeted his vehicle near the besieged port city of Hudaydah.
Among his final words delivered during his last public speech, Al Sammad said: "We are the Yemenis who have rights to determine our own destiny. We are choosing our own leaders: not the Saudi King or any other Imperialistic powers".
The leader of Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said that Sammad's death will have "severe consequences", adding: "This crime will not pass without punishment".
To this day, Yemenis hold bitter resentment towards the Saudi-led coalition, and their Hadi backed "hotel government".
Both over the ongoing aggression towards their nation but also for the illegal act of state terrorism, the assassination of their beloved home-grown hero.
Now, as reports surface suggesting Saudi Arabia is desperately seeking a way out of the costly war on Yemen, I would like to remind you of this.
How can Saudi, the US or the UN possibly expect Yemenis to ever accept the "internationally recognised" President, who lives a life of luxury in the hotels of Riyadh after he publicly celebrated the murder of the popular man turned martyr, Saleh Ali Al-Sammad?
Source: Presstv
