Memorable Day: 30 November 1967 [Archives:2001/45/Law & Diplomacy]

Mohammed bin Sallam
Yemen Times
The 30th of November was a memorable day in the history of Yemen. This history was full of subsequent revolutions, starting from the 26 September Revolution passing through the 14th Revolution, reaching the final independence day on November 30, 1967. This day has implications on all of Yemeni history. It represents the victory of the national will in liberating itself from the foreign colony, rushing to a life of democracy and freedom. This month is of great importance, accompanied by victorious deeds accomplished after a long struggle to reach a safer and more stable life. Yemenis have left no stones unturned to achieve a happier life. The four-year war was well coordinated against the existence of the British colony in the southern parts of Yemen. This was successfully achieved after the martyr’s blood was given for this pure land. They were ingenuous in their missions and honest in performing their duties; therefore we praise their unforgettable deeds on this day, the day of independence, in order to immortalize their resounding victory. Undoubtedly, they were successful and courageous to live a decent life free of tyranny, suppression and despotism. The struggling Yemenis did not think of gaining reputation or high ranks, but they fought for the dignity of this country.
As a matter of fact, Yemenis did not submit whatsoever to oppression over the one hundred years. Rather, they resisted and struggled hard. They were involved in military and political conflicts and wars against tyrants and colonizers. Furthermore, the complex geographical nature of the tribal-armed Northern areas backed up the struggle against the invaders during the existence of the British colony. There were too many liberators, to the extent that Yemen was labeled as the graveyard of invaders.
We can safely assume that the tyrants and invaders attempted to destroy all the progress and development that had been achieved when invading Yemen. They also tried to impede development in other countries. However, in Yemen there was nothing to destroy, for the reign of Imamate was the worst ever. During the reign of Imamate, lasting from the end of the third century Hijra to the 1960s, there was never anything to help move the country forward. Conflicts either with tribes or among themselves were witnessed throughout that reign. Social and political unrest and instability were what dominated the entire atmosphere during that time. It can safely be said that it was a levying authority, an authority that tried to ostracize Yemen from the outside world under the pretext of keeping the sovereignty of the state. It was a country characterized by rampant poverty, ignorance, and illiteracy, reflecting the worst of pictures. Then, the stages of struggle continued and paved the way for another revolution in the South, which was the 14 October Revolution.
It was destined for the Yemeni people to struggle vigorously against the British colony. The dream of all Yemenis was achieved on the 14th of October, 1963, and continued until November 30, 1967 when South Yemen became independent and a new state was established. Consequently, Yemenis continued to struggle for the sake of freedom and equality.

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