The General People’s Congress (GPC) faction based in Sana’a has declared a freeze of all its organizational and political activities in areas under the control of the Houthi rebels, citing escalating violations and the ongoing detention of its Secretary-General, Ghazi Al-Ahwal.
In a statement issued following an emergency meeting of the party’s General Secretariat, senior GPC officials condemned the Houthis’ refusal to release Al-Ahwal, who was abducted by armed Houthi forces on August 20, 2025. The kidnapping occurred just one day after the party canceled its anniversary celebrations, reportedly under pressure from Houthi authorities.
Party sources said that the decision to suspend operations was made in response to a series of “systematic violations” by the Houthis, including accusations of treason against GPC leaders, disruption of internal meetings, and seizure of party assets.
Al-Ahwal’s whereabouts remain unknown, and his family has been denied access or information regarding his condition. The GPC has called on local and international organizations to intervene and pressure the Houthis to release him immediately.
The move marks a significant escalation in tensions between the GPC and the Houthi rebels’ leadership, which had previously maintained a fragile alliance.
Analysts say the freeze could signal a broader political rupture and may embolden other factions to challenge Houthi dominance in northern Yemen.
The GPC reiterated its commitment to national unity and political pluralism, warning that continued repression would only deepen divisions and undermine efforts toward peace and reconciliation.