Yemen’s parliament on Monday, 28 September 2026, approved a request by Presidential Leadership Council Chairman and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Rashad al-Alimi to declare general mobilisation amid escalating military and security developments. The council said the measure aims to confront the Houthi military escalation and protect citizens, as well as defend the republican system, constitutional legitimacy, the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Parliament approves request to declare general mobilisation
Parliament took the decision during an expanded meeting held by videoconference and chaired by Speaker Sultan al-Barakani to discuss developments on the national and regional fronts. The council described the current situation as “extremely complex”, saying it required national unity and an end to divisions among political forces.
The resolution approved al-Alimi’s request, stipulating that the general mobilisation would be implemented in accordance with the constitution and the power-transfer resolution, and under the laws governing the general reserve, the National Defence Council and civil defence. It set the mobilisation’s duration, stating that it would begin on the date of its declaration and end when the reasons that prompted it no longer existed.
Al-Alimi requests mobilisation through address and memorandum
The parliamentary decision followed an address delivered by al-Alimi on 25 September, in which he called for the declaration of general mobilisation. On 27 September, al-Alimi sent an urgent memorandum to parliament requesting approval of the declaration, attaching the justifications and reasons he said necessitated the measure at the current stage.
Parliament said it had examined the request in light of what it described as the “grave risks” facing the country as a result of the war being waged by the Houthi group. The council linked those risks to the threats the war posed to citizens’ lives and property, as well as its impact on their security and stability.
Decision based on constitutional provisions and laws
Parliament based its decision on several constitutional and legal provisions governing the declaration of general mobilisation and states of war and emergency. These included Article 37 of the constitution, concerning general mobilisation, and Article 119, which addresses the president’s powers to declare states of emergency and mobilisation.
The council also cited the law establishing the National Defence Council, which gives the council authority to assess situations of war, emergency and full or partial mobilisation, and to take related measures.
Under the provisions cited by parliament, the National Defence Council is deemed to be in continuous session once general mobilisation is declared, and is responsible for handling all matters related to mobilisation and overseeing its implementation. Parliament called on all political forces to overcome their differences and work “as one”, stressing the need for coordination with the Saudi-led coalition in confronting the Houthis.
The council framed the declaration of mobilisation as part of what it described as a battle to defend “the revolution, unity and republican system”. It also praised Yemenis for their resilience and their rallying around constitutional legitimacy under al-Alimi’s leadership.
Parliament renewed its condemnation of Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, saying that targeting the security and sovereignty of states and their territorial integrity represented a “dangerous escalation” that threatened security and stability at the regional level. It also commended the Saudi-led coalition’s support for Yemen and its backing for the Yemeni authorities in their efforts to restore state institutions and end the Houthis’ coup.
